This quote may be common to some, and new to others.
Regardless, this shows Luther’s understanding of the weight that the Cross carried in redemption but also expresses the love he feels within his relationship with Christ Jesus. The thoughts that are invoked are ones of losing someone that means a lot; someone that has had a vital impact on our life. The reality that Luther felt so close to Christ, he felt as if he had lost his best friend just yesterday, is quite the challenge to complacent or non-active Christians. In a constant pursuit of Christ-likeness, we draw closer to Him whom which we desire to be, thus enhancing a relationship to one that is personal. Conclusion: The quote is not only to show Luther’s immense love for Christ, but to serve as a challenge to love Christ in such a fashion, we truly understand that “…we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:14-16)
Quote…
Thomas Aquinas: The Brilliant Dumb Ox
Severe repercussions for all those tempted to “compliment” me by referring to the similarities between me and Thomas Aquinas. Here is a short introduction from Christian History magazine.
Thomas Aquinas
The brilliant “dumb ox”“In order that men might have knowledge of God, free of doubt and uncertainty, it was necessary for divine truth to be delivered to them by way of faith, being told to them as it were, by God himself who cannot lie.”
No one claimed Thomas Aquinas got famous on his looks. He was colossally fat, suffered from edema (dropsy), and one huge eye dwarfed his other. Nor was he a particularly dynamic, charismatic figure. Introspective and silent most of the time, when he did speak, it was often completely unrelated to the conversation. His classmates in college called him “the dumb ox.” Today, recognized as the greatest theologian of the Middle Ages, he is called “the doctor of angels.” (Click here to read more…)