Getting on with the Job

I am in my final week of preparation to lead an Adult study on Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian who actively resisted the Nazi regime.

In time, he and other members of this resistance were imprisoned.

Although he was locked away, Bonhoeffer ministered to both his guards and fellow prisoners.

He also spent his time authoring books, papers, and letters.

Through his writing, we see that God continued to use this man.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we see that he too was imprisoned.

He continued the work God gave him to do.

In fact, his letters account for a good part of the New Testament.

Paul, like Bonhoeffer, made use of the talents that he was given.

Moreover, he understood that he was the beneficiary of grace.

This grace was a gift of Christ.

Ephesians 4:7 (NET) - But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

And this grace equips the called to do the work required regardless of circumstances.

Such work continues despite even the hardships of imprisonment and the threat of death.

The Psalmist makes this clear.

After praising the Lord, the Psalmist discusses those who seek justice.

Psalm 106:3 (NET) - How blessed are those who promote justice, and do what is right all the time.

Bonhoeffer opposed injustice and so he opposed Hitler and the Nazi regime.

As a man of God, he did what he believed was right, risking both his safety and security.

He continued his ministry until executed by those whom he opposed.

When that moment arrived, he calmly accepted his fate.

Psalm 106:4 (NET) - Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people. Pay attention to me, when you deliver,

Like these men, we too are the beneficiaries of forgiveness and grace.

These were paid in full by the death of Christ who was without blame.

For this we should be eternally grateful.

And may we use the talents we have been given.

And may we also continue to do the work required of us regardless of our circumstances.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 10, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, June 17, 2022