05/04/2023 – “Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies. At the end all his disciples deserted him. On the cross he was utterly alone, surrounded by evildoers and mockers. For this cause he had come, to bring peace to the enemies of God. So the Christian, too, belongs not in the seclusion of a cloistered life but in the thick of foes. It is a false notion that they may be children of God while in a state of disobedience to his holy commandments, and disciples of Jesus though they revolt from his cross.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906 – 1945) / bio link attached…
It is not about the messenger , but Dietrich walked his talk, seeing as how he made a choice to return to Nazi Germany when he could have taken the safe route and remained in exile comfortably in the U.S. I recommend Erik Metaxas’ book: “Bonhoeffer – Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy”. Another book that we studied in a weekly lunch men’s bible study group that lasted over a year: “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer – 1937. It met and exceeded our goal: a compelling Gospel call to a Christian mission that was compelling, undeniable, and that jerked us out of our comfort zones. “All in” or “not in”. Dietrich was executed by Hitler’s orders just a couple weeks prior to Hitler’s suicide and the end of the war in Europe. He was never married; he was sent to prison soon after his engagement to the love of his life.
A bio:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dietrich-Bonhoeffer
Soli Deo Gloria!