Useful Joachim

One day Martin Luther found himself penniless, but happened to be requested to contribute to an important Christian work. He recollected that he had a beautiful medal of Joachim, Elector of Brandenburg, which he had prized.

He went immediately to the drawer, opened it, and said: “What art thou doing there, Joachim? Dost thou not see how idle thou art? Come out and make thyself useful.” Then taking the medal, he gave it to the work.