While World War II and the rise of Nazi Germany brought about some of the worst terrors and tradegy in global history, it also made way for some men and women to "own" their faith. In the midst of the hard times, some Christians got stronger in what they knew about and did for Christ.One such man was Dietrich Bonhoeffer. A well known theologian of the 20th century, Bonhoeffer devoted his life to uniting the church and taking action in the name of Jesus Christ. In addition to his ministry in and with the local church, he also joined an secret underground team who's mission was to assasinate Adolf Hitler.
Bonhoeffer has been quoted saying "When Christ calls a man, he bids him to come and die."How do you respond to that quote? Has Christ called you to follow him? If so, have you died yet? Think hard about that questions. We say this because as Christians in modern times, we sometimes feel entitled to many things that Christ might be calling us to die to. Things like:
- A Retirement package.
- Comfort in life.
- Having the latest technology (cell phone, computer, whatever).
- Privacy.
- Being married and having a family.
- Going to College.
These things aren't bad, but their not the ultimate goal in life. The soul purpose and meaning of life is to follow Jesus. Are you willing to leave behind something if it means following Jesus more closely?
What can you die to (or let go of) this week that you normally feel entitled to have? How could letting go of it help you follow Jesus more closely?
If anyone was a man of his word, it was Bonhoeffer. He followed Jesus all the way to his death. Arrested in April of 1943, he was led to the gallows just two years later. As he passed his inmates as he was escorted out, he told them, "This is the end, but for me it is the beginning of life."
Resources used: Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together (San Francisco: Harper Collins Pulbishers, 1954), pp. 7-13.
