Standing with God and the Jewish People: Lessons from Bonhoeffer’s Life
In times of adversity and moral challenges, certain individuals rise above the rest, standing firm in their faith and unwavering in their commitment to righteousness. One such person was Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian and pastor who left an indelible mark on history through his unwavering dedication to God and his courageous stance in support of the Jewish people during the Nazi era. Bonhoeffer's life and values, as reflected in his powerful quotes, serve as a timeless inspiration for us to cultivate a similar unwavering faith and stand with God's chosen people in our own time.
Embracing Christ's Supremacy: Bonhoeffer emphasized the supreme significance of Jesus Christ in every aspect of life. He wrote, "[Discipleship] is nothing else than bondage to Jesus Christ alone... He alone matters." This recognition empowered Bonhoeffer to reject the false ideologies of the Nazis and embrace the truth of God's love and justice, inspiring him to stand against the prevailing evil.
Total Submission to Jesus: Bonhoeffer understood that true discipleship meant total submission to the person of Jesus Christ. He believed that only those who left everything to follow Christ could claim justification by grace alone. Bonhoeffer's commitment to submission enabled him to withstand the allure of compromise, proclaiming, "Our task is simply to keep on following, looking only to our Leader who goes on before.”
Living a Set-Apart Life: Bonhoeffer recognized the importance of being set apart for God's purposes, standing firmly on biblical principles even in a world consumed by conformity. He noted that Christ's call compelled individuals to make a personal decision and embrace the solitude of following Him alone. Bonhoeffer wrote, "Neither father nor mother, neither wife nor child, neither nationality nor tradition, can protect a man at the moment of his call... It is Christ's will that he should be thus isolated." His conviction to live a set-apart life allowed him to stand with the Jewish people, acknowledging their unique role in God's plan.
Enduring Suffering as a Part of Obedience: Bonhoeffer understood that following Jesus often entailed embracing suffering. He willingly accepted the personal cost of standing against evil, recognizing that it was a necessary part of obedience to God. Reflecting on his impending execution, he declared, "This is the end—for me, the beginning of life." Bonhoeffer's readiness to endure persecution and sacrifice his own safety to save Jewish lives demonstrates the depth of his commitment and his willingness to share in the suffering of God's people.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and values continue to inspire and challenge us today. By recognizing Christ's supremacy in our lives, surrendering ourselves completely to Him, living lives that are distinct from the prevailing culture, and embracing the subsequent suffering, we align ourselves to be faithful to God and agree with His plan for the Jewish people in adverse times. Let us draw inspiration from Bonhoeffer's unwavering faith, and stand with God's chosen people, advocating for their rights, supporting their welfare, and praying for the full salvation of Israel yet to come in the last days. In doing so, we honor the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and fulfill our duty to stand with God's people as intercessors until the end.