Fredrick the Wise - Christian Ruler

 

Today on the Church calendar - Fredrick the Wise, Christian Ruler

Who was Fredrick the Wise? He was the elector of Saxony from 1486 to 1525, making him martin Luther's sovereign in the early days of the Reformation. Where it not for Fredrick, there might not have been a Lutheran Reformation.  Born in Torgau, Germany in 1463 Fredrick became known for his skill in political diplomacy and his sense of justice and fairness that he was called "the wise" by his subjects.   

Although he never met Luther, Frederick repeatedly and provided for him.  In all likelihood he saved the reformer from a martyr's fate when he refused the people's demand to extradite Luther to Rom for a heresy trial in 1518. When Emperor Charles V declared Luther an outlaw in 1521 at the Diet of Worms,  Fredrick provided sanctuary for Luther at Wartburg Castle. On his deathbed, Fredrick received the Lord's Supper in both kinds - a clear confession of the evangelical faith.

-From Treasury of Daily Prayer copyright 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis