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I saw the movie “Luther” when it came out in theaters a few years back (the 2003 version). I even purchased the DVD and watched it once at home. I have not seen it since that time, but a scene, repeated in the movie several times, disturbed me. In this movie (and I haven’t seen the other versions), Luther is in a room alone wrestling with demons – even satan himself.
My first impression is that the writer was trying to portray Luther as one that was slightly insane. At the time, I thought this a bit over the top, but upon years of intermittent reflection, I know now where the writer was going with these scenes.
In this movie, it seems clear to me that overall portrayal of Luther was a man after God’s heart. The writer is also unambiguous regarding the fact that Luther saw the temptations he faced as words being whispered by satan himself. And seemingly, as any God fearing man would do, Luther gave his utmost to defend himself from the temptations and attacks upon his conscience from satan. However, Luther found no ability within himself to defend himself and this frustrated Luther to the point of complete desperation.
Luther found no relief from his desperation until his mentor in the Christian faith steps in and brings him to the realization that the fight is not his and all he need say is, “Jesus, save me.” Luther eventually falls prostrate and surrenders himself, almost begrudgingly, to this position. When he does, he finally finds the “…peace of God, which transcends all understanding….” (Philippians 4:7 NIV)
Lately, I have been trying to wrestle with satan myself. Within this struggle, a reminder of these movie scenes entered my head and until this very morning, I did not realize in my heart the value these movie scenes had to my faith. The reality I have experienced is that despite my best efforts, I have no power to defend myself from temptation. As there is no power inherent to my being that provides me with a defense to this battering from satan, my own efforts give me no peace, no joy and thus, no hope.
Accordingly, all that is left to me is to surrender myself to Jesus and plead to Him to save me. It is the only Peace I have ever felt in my heart. It is the only relief I have ever experienced. As there is no other way to the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6), it is all that there is and it is completely sufficient.
Jesus, save me.
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