Your YES to God requires your NO to all injustice.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer is an enigma to me. A man who stood firmly against the Nazi regime, who could have chosen safety in America but elected to return to Germany and speak in Jesus’ name against injustice.
He intentionally and courageously placed himself in danger because he believed his faith demanded it.
He also conspired to murder Hitler. I’ve always wondered how he squared that intent with the clear, powerful words he wrote and spoke about Jesus’ teaching.
I’m not judging. I can’t put myself in his shoes, can’t imagine the terrible internal conflict he might have felt.
Each time I encounter Bonhoeffer’s words, it’s a reminder for me to stop and check myself. Because I know how easy it is to say what I would do in a difficult situation from the comfort of a place where I will likely never have to make such a dangerous choice.
I do, however, have a modern-day model to emulate. There are many ways to rescue people from trafficking situations. Personally, I’d be tempted to put together a well-armed assault team and do whatever it takes. That would be a better TV show and would likely produce bigger short-term results.
I’ve told you before – we partner with Project Rescue because we believe they strive to follow Jesus’ model. Love your neighbor, even the neighbor who happens to be a criminal. Form relationships. Trust Jesus to work for good within those relationships.
I’ve seen the results. Former traffickers transformed into followers of Jesus who work with rescued women and children.
The problem, for me, is patience. I want them ALL rescued, I want the criminals held accountable, and I want it to happen RIGHT NOW. This notion of loving people one-at-a-time, waiting on Jesus’ timing – why doesn’t he work faster?
Perhaps “why” indicates my temptation to take matters into my own hands and make it happen on my timeline.