Inhaling the fresh, brisk air, the imposing structure known as Wartburg Castle lay before me. It was April 8, 2016, a year before the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. I was in Germany, visiting my daughter and her family and on a Reformation Pilgrimage led by my son-in-law.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the church in the town of Wittenberg. In 1521 he was summoned to appear before the Holy Roman Emperor in the city of Worms to respond to the charges of heresy. Luther was given the opportunity to repent and renounce his views, which he refused to do. He was excommunicated and eventually was declared a heretic and sentenced to death.

Although Luther was granted safe travel back to Wittenberg, the word was that he would be killed on the road. While rushing back home, he was kidnapped by men sent by his territorial leader, Fredrick III, to keep him safe from harm. He was taken to Wartburg Castle, where I now stood.

Later I stepped inside the small room, along with its adjacent, narrow bedroom where Martin Luther lived in seclusion for 10 months. Not only was he isolated, but the location in the castle was also kept a secret. Luther even grew a beard and went by an alias “Junker Jorg” or Knight George. At the Wartburg, Luther felt alone, and he wrote in a letter, “I am writing to you from my isle of Patmos.”

While in this tiny room in seclusion, isolated, and struggling with depression, Luther began the most important work of his life, a German translation of the New Testament from the Greek. There were Bibles available in German, but they were difficult to read and had been translated from the Latin Vulgate and not the Greek. The reformer desired to make the Bible accessible in the everyday language of the people.

Even though great danger was a hand, Luther left the Wartburg and returned to Wittenberg in 1522.

Difficult Times

Many of the things happening in 16th century Europe were similar to our age today. It was a time of social disorder and personal confusion, and things were changing fast. 

Because of the Coronavirus (COVID 19), most, if not all of us, are wrestling with anxiety on some level. Social distancing has affected us in many ways.

Thinking about Martin Luther’s isolation, I made a list of some things I am learning as a result of my self-imposed isolation and social distancing.

Lessons Learned in Isolation

Creativity can thrive in isolation

I don’t think my creativity is anywhere near Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible into German, but I have started bringing order to some of my writings. God is not through with me and still works through me. Perhaps our greatest achievement can grow from our isolation.

I’m not in control

I have been reminded that I do not control my life. A small virus can change all the plans I made for the future as well as my day to day routines.

My life is still a “Hard Hat” construction area

Isolation revealed a lot of my weaknesses and pushed me to the transforming Christ. Many of my shortcomings, sins, and vices became glaring real and called for repentance, providing me with the opportunity to grow in Christlikeness.

I’m hungry for human connection

I miss my friends and family. If I long to see and be with my loved ones so much, I wonder how much more God longs to be reconciled to his creation.

I am ready to move out missionally

Isolation has heightened my awareness of others and motivated me to serve them in love. It’s been tough focusing so much time on me. I am ready to interact with people and pursue the mission of Christ. I am ready to get back into the neighborhood.

I have discovered some new things that I want to keep doing

Physical separation has led me to discover opportunities to minister in a digitally connected, geographically dispersed world. I have learned new ways to connect with people miles apart and hope to continue this practice going forward.

I have renewed my call to follow Christ.

I have become even more convinced of the importance of teaching believers how to be the church outside the walls of the church building.

I need to make the most of the time

I have come to a renewed appreciation of the value of others and the need to make the most of the time. I have been reminded that time is short, and we are all fragile and susceptible to getting sick and possibly suddenly dying.

What about you?

Take some time to inventory what you are learning as a result of isolation and social distancing, and get ready to move out on mission.