Dietrich Bonhoeffer
A few posts ago I mentioned that I had just gotten done reading Bonhoeffer Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. A really long and really good book. If you haven't heard of this man or what he did (I hadn't a clue who he was before I started the book) let me give you a brief recap.
He was a pastor in Germany during the time that Hitler was elected. He was one of the first people to publicly speak out about Hitler and this was before the horrible things Hitler did began. Bonhoeffer eventually began to learn of Hitler's atrocities and came to a crisis of faith. Does he turn the other way and essentially ignore the fact that millions of Jews were being killed or does he join up with a few fellow Germans and work secretly to assassinate Hitler? Neither option was "right" but Bonhoeffer knew he couldn't ignore what was happening to God's chosen people. He risked everything and eventually was murdered by the Nazis, to spy on and be part of a plan to kill Hitler (which failed by the way). Many German Christians at the time were fooled by Hitler and then by the time they found out what was going on were most likely overwhelmed and not sure what to do. Some helped the Jewish people but a great number of others did nothing.
Reading about his life and the questions he had as he became part of this plot really spoke to me personally. Bonhoeffer said in one of his writings that we tend to concentrate on being good rather than being obedient to God. Being obedient to God was the most important thing to him, no matter the cost.
It started me thinking about the world I live in today. I began wondering if I was a German Christian. One who is surrounded by people in need but doing nothing. I do, often times, feel overwhelmed by the amount of pain and suffering in this world. I wonder if there really is anything I could possibly do to help. I'm sure Bonhoeffer felt that way. But it didn't stop him from trying. He just knew that ignoring it wasn't going to change anything. And once he knew his part he didn't turn back. Not even once. And it cost him his life. He was murdered by the Nazis just 2 weeks before Hitler committed suicide and 3 weeks before they surrendered to the allies. Some may read about his life and wonder why he gave up everything to be a part of the plot to kill Hitler when that plot failed. He might even be considered a failure. But he wasn't.
He was a pastor in Germany during the time that Hitler was elected. He was one of the first people to publicly speak out about Hitler and this was before the horrible things Hitler did began. Bonhoeffer eventually began to learn of Hitler's atrocities and came to a crisis of faith. Does he turn the other way and essentially ignore the fact that millions of Jews were being killed or does he join up with a few fellow Germans and work secretly to assassinate Hitler? Neither option was "right" but Bonhoeffer knew he couldn't ignore what was happening to God's chosen people. He risked everything and eventually was murdered by the Nazis, to spy on and be part of a plan to kill Hitler (which failed by the way). Many German Christians at the time were fooled by Hitler and then by the time they found out what was going on were most likely overwhelmed and not sure what to do. Some helped the Jewish people but a great number of others did nothing.
Reading about his life and the questions he had as he became part of this plot really spoke to me personally. Bonhoeffer said in one of his writings that we tend to concentrate on being good rather than being obedient to God. Being obedient to God was the most important thing to him, no matter the cost.
It started me thinking about the world I live in today. I began wondering if I was a German Christian. One who is surrounded by people in need but doing nothing. I do, often times, feel overwhelmed by the amount of pain and suffering in this world. I wonder if there really is anything I could possibly do to help. I'm sure Bonhoeffer felt that way. But it didn't stop him from trying. He just knew that ignoring it wasn't going to change anything. And once he knew his part he didn't turn back. Not even once. And it cost him his life. He was murdered by the Nazis just 2 weeks before Hitler committed suicide and 3 weeks before they surrendered to the allies. Some may read about his life and wonder why he gave up everything to be a part of the plot to kill Hitler when that plot failed. He might even be considered a failure. But he wasn't.
He was successful because he didn't ignore what God was asking of him. He was successful because he was radically obedient. He was successful because he didn't let fear or excuses stop him. He was successful because he cared and loved people that God cares for and loves. He was successful even in death and his story is being told today because of his response to the call of Christ.
I desire that my life would be counted for something. Not for the praise of men or to have a book written about me but to love the people God loves and to know that I was obedient to the call - being the hands and feet of Christ- when He asked me to go, to love, to speak for....
I desire that my life would be counted for something. Not for the praise of men or to have a book written about me but to love the people God loves and to know that I was obedient to the call - being the hands and feet of Christ- when He asked me to go, to love, to speak for....
My family is praying about who we are to be advocates for. We know to love and show love to everyone but I feel like there is a special people that God is calling our family, specifically, to love, to defend, to sacrifice for. And I'm excited to see what God is going to do in our hearts as we turn our thoughts towards Him. As we stop turning away from the hurt and pain but turn towards the Healer and Giver of life. I want to spend this life being radically obedient.
Thank you Lord for your stirring of my heart. I pray now for the courage to be radically obedient.
