Cranmer's Challenge
Nº 242
weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - March 21, 2023
In the Scriptures be the fat pastures of the soul; therein is no venomous meat, no unwholesome thing; they be the very dainty and pure feeding. He that is ignorant, shall find there what he should learn. - Thomas Cranmer
Four hundred and sixty-seven years ago today, Thomas Cranmer was burned to death in Oxford, England. In Oxford’s city center the Martyr’s Column still reminds passersby of the sacrifice of Cranmer and his two co-workers, Hugh Latimer and Nicolas Ridley, who met similar fates a few months earlier.
Cranmer was the first Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury and a pivotal leader in the English Reformation. He helped establish the Church of England, wrote the 39 Articles, (originally 42), and the Book of Common Prayer.
He also placed English Bibles in churches throughout England. One of his many quotes is, “Bible-reading is as necessary for the life of man’s soul, as for the body to breathe.”
Cranmer and many more died helping provide the Church today with access to God’s Word and the spiritual nourishment it provides. Peter understood the nutritional value of Bible reading. He said, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” (I Peter 2:2)
Too many have sacrificed too much for us to remain spiritually malnourished. Because of Cranmer and others, a healthy helping of the Word of God is readily available. Feed yourself on scripture, enjoy seconds, and gain the spiritual sustenance it provides.
Dan Bolin
Author & President
Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc.
