Although the family gathered ’round him wept openly, Pastor Martin Rinkhart held back his own tears as men lowered another townswoman into her grave. It was his forty-second burial that day; and a few more would require his administration before sundown.
The next day promised more of the same as the plague ravaged the city of Eilenburg, Germany, Rinkhart’s hometown. But this wasn’t their only tragic circumstance. Long before in 1618 the Thirty Years’ War had begun, devastating much of Europe—especially Germany.
Now it was the mid-1630s, and numerous refugees had crowded into the walled city of Eilenburg to escape death and destruction at the hands of the Swedish army. The plague had soon followed.
Eight thousand people died, including many children, two clergymen from nearby neighborhoods, and Rinkhart’s wife. He would bury nearly 4,500—forty to fifty per day– before mass graves were instituted.
Martin Rinkhart could never have imagined such heartbreak when he earned his degree in theology in 1602. He no doubt looked forward to shepherding a little flock of believers, leading them to grow in faith and ministering to their needs.
And for fifteen years or so, Rinkhart did serve as music minister or pastor in several locations. Then in 1617, at age thirty-one, he was invited back to his native Eilenburg.
Eilenberg, Germany today
Shortly after his relocation, the Thirty Years’ War began—one of the longest, most destructive conflicts in European history, taking eight million lives [1].
The Swedish army caused much suffering. Soldiers plundered livestock, food stores, and household goods. They demanded to be billeted in citizens’ homes. Even as Rinkhart endured these same hardships, he continued to faithfully care for his hurting parishioners.
No sooner did the plague subside than famine gripped the land. Rinkhart did his best to help others, reducing rations for his own household until he found himself mortgaging his future income in order to purchase food and other necessities for them.
During this time, the Swedish army returned, besieging Eilenberg for several months. They finally demanded an exorbitant ransom to leave the city. Rinkhart met with the general to plead the city’s case, but he wouldn’t back down.
One account explains that Rinkhart called together his parishioners and others to pray. “Come my children,” he invited. “We can find no hearing, no mercy with men; let us take refuge with God” [2].
Evidently the general was present as Rinkhart prayed fervently for God’s deliverance. The Swede acquiesced, and lowered the ransom considerably.
During these decades of suffering, in 1636, Rinkhart wrote a mealtime prayer-song for his two children. They sang it at bedtime too.
Most of us would expect a prayer pleading for relief and rescue by God’s power and mercy. Instead, Rinkhart focused on gratitude:
His prayer became the basis for a beloved hymn, chosen to be sung at the national thanksgiving service when the Thirty Years’ War ended. It’s still sung today:
https://youtu.be/ItfKjxkXhMk?si=TXR0eN0Tj9rP0Of4
I marvel how someone could write such lyrics—about the wondrous things God has done, his blessings along the way, and countless gifts of love—all while suffering terrible hardship and grief.
But I’m thankful for Martin Rinkhart’s example, demonstrating what it means to trust in the Lord with all your heart, in all circumstances [3].
Still, the question remains: WHY. “Why Lord?” we plead toward heaven. “Why must good people suffer?”
Herbert Lockyer would have us understand:
“Harsh plowing yields joyful, bountiful harvests . . . the believer ‘grows rich by his losses, rises by his falls, lives by dying, and becomes full of being emptied’” (Unknown) [4].
No doubt Rinkhart embraced those truths. He also understood: Gratitude to God nurtures hope in him, the One who brings good out of all circumstances [5].
[1] https://enjoyingthejourney.org/hymn-history-now-thank-we-all-our-god/
[2] https://www.thedestinlog.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2018/11/20/story-behind-song-pastor-gives-praise-thanks-during-darkest-of-times/8320618007/
[3] Proverbs 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:18
[4] Seasons of the Lord, 371.
[5] Romans 8:28
Additional Source: http://www.baptistnews.com/article/now-thank-we-all-our-god/
Art & photo credits: http://www.picryl.com (Artist: Jozef Szermentowski); http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.rawpixels.com.
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“Now Thank We All Our God” is often sung in our church. The history of its author throws a whole new light on it. Rinkhard was an amazingly kindhearted man of faith during a challenging era. Thank you for sharing his captivating story, Nancy, 🙂
I found his story inspiring too, Nancy. His spirit of gratitude surely contributed to his fortitude.
Another saint of the faith that I have never heard of. The song is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing Rinkhard’s story.
You’re welcome, Linda. The stately tune of this hymn adds to the firm foundation of faith expressed in the lyrics–especially when accompanied by a full orchestra and sung by a large choir!
Only God can make saints out of us sinners. Oh, Nancy, I’m so moved by this story inspired by Rinkhard, truly a man of the Spirit and faith. I’ve just started watching The Saints series on Fox Nation, where the first episode was about Joan of Arc. Oh, how the saints have strengthened and confirmed our journey in the name of the Lord! Thanks so much for sharing Rinkhard’s story here today. Blessing!
Thank you, Martha. I too was moved by Rinkhart’s story. To suffer so much and STILL give thanks?! That is a stellar, redeemed saint! Thank you for the recommendation of “The Saints” series on Fox Nation!
Wow! So encouraged by the words he wrote in those circumstances.
I too, Manu. How dare I grumble about a late package, rude drivers, or the high prices at the grocery store?! Stories like Rinkhart’s help put my puny troubles in proper perspective. I can be grateful for the patience I’m still learning while dealing with frustrations, and the promises of God’s provision, even when prices are too high.
Every hymn you reference comes to mind from the countless times I’ve sung it, whether in childhood or more recently. It’s so meaningful to read the real-world stories that (somehow!) inspired the lyrics. I will never tire of reading these kinds of posts.
Thank you David. I think it’s safe to say my pleasure in researching and writing these stories is as great as your pleasure in reading them!
Nancy, this is such a compelling story. Thank you so much for your post. I’ve shared it with my Men’s Bible Study group.
You’re welcome, Ponderosa Papa. How this hymn came to be IS a compelling story. I’m honored you found the post worthy sharing. Thank you and praise God!
And now I know the REST of the story! What an amazing life.
TT
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😁 (in response to the first sentence!) An amazing life indeed! (in response to the second.)
I love the history involved in the writing of so many of the old hymns. The most beautiful are a reflection of the times and this certainly had to be a difficult time. Thank you for sharing it with us.
You’re welcome, Kathy. I’m so glad you found the story meaningful!
This one really hit hard. The suffering of Rinkhart who then went on to write a prayer for his children that speaks of praise and thanksgiving to God Almighty–it’s humbling to consider how selfish I am and others around me. How petty we become when things don’t go our way. Thank you so much for this spotlight on a history that I would never have known. For encouraging me to focus on the goodness and grace of God, not the inconvenience or misery of my small circumstances. I deeply appreciate this.
I too can get derailed by unmet expectations, affronts, rudeness, etc. You are so right: if our focus is on the goodness and grace of God, our attitudes won’t get bent out of shape as often! With you I praise God for the examples of such saints as Martin Rinkhart, showing us the way toward steady and persevering faith–no matter what..
Thank you for this reminder of the trials and tribulations past generations had to endure. Having been greatly blessed ourselves, we may feel entitled to abundance and lives free of strife. But that is not what the Bible promises. Indeed, if we do not understand that we will be unprepared when our own time of testing comes.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Agreed, Anna. God promised he would always bring us through trials, not always rescue us from them. Numerous Bible heroes had to endure hardship–Joseph, Moses, David, Job, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and more–much less the thousands in church history who’ve suffered since. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I consider our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). With an eye on eternity, we too can endure! (Remind me of that, Anna, if and when trouble strikes!)
oh Nancy, thank you for sharing this history! I’m not very well versed in war in general, and I didn’t remember very much about the 30 years war. I often look back at the hardships that people have suffered throughout history and wonder what I’m complaining about, as I feel like we have it comparatively easy these days!
I just love this reminder that it’s possible to praise God no matter the circumstances. ❤️
I agree, Stacey. We have a lot to learn about faith, perseverance, and strength in hard times from Christian heroes like Martin Rinkhart. We DO have it comparatively easy in our country, in our times!
I found this statement very comforting and inspiring:
‘“Harsh plowing yields joyful, bountiful harvests . . . the believer ‘grows rich by his losses, rises by his falls, lives by dying, and becomes full of being emptied’” (Unknown)
To many people, this quote must sound ridiculous. But there are millions of Christians throughout history who counted it pure joy as they faced trials of many kinds (James 1:2-3). A number of their stories have been recorded for us, like Martin Rinkhart’s, so it can’t be denied: God does bring good out of the direst of circumstances. Hallelujah!
Thank you, Nancy, I love your teachings and your heart!
Thank you Debbie for your kind words!
You’re so welcome, Nancy, I’m blessed by your words!
What an inspiring example of praise in the midst of extreme trial.
I agree. Rinkhart’s dire experiences put my paltry complaints in perspective! He IS a worthy example to follow.