Letter to the American ChurchSample

Day 2: The Prophetic Call and the Consequences of Indifference

Verse: Revelation 2:4-5 "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent."

Today, we delve deeper into the courage of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his sermon in the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. A mere 26-year-old, Bonhoeffer stood in a space of historical significance and challenged the complacency and superficial celebrations of his audience. He reminded them of the roots of the Reformation, the tenacity of Martin Luther, and the passionate love for Christ that once defined their faith.

But what was Bonhoeffer's drive behind this audacious call? It was the creeping rise of ideologies contrary to the gospel, the aggressive takeover of the churches by the Nazi state, and the gradual silencing of the true Church's voice. Bonhoeffer felt an urgency - a prophetic call to shake awake the slumbering Church.

Germany, during this time, was at a precipice. Hitler's influence was growing, and the nation was veering towards a dangerous path. And Bonhoeffer's warnings were clear: The Church, if it didn't awake and arise, would face God's judgment.

Bonhoeffer's words, though rooted in the context of 1932 Germany, have a timeless echo. It makes one wonder: Are we, too, standing at a spiritual precipice? Are we passively allowing unbiblical ideologies into our churches and schools, and being silent in the face of these evils?

Self-reflection: Take a moment to introspect. Are there areas in your life where you've prioritized other things over your relationship with Christ? Have you abandoned your first love?

Repentance: Remember the passionate love for Jesus you had when you first came to Him. Repent for the times you've drifted away. Ask God to reignite that passion in your heart.

Learn from History: Dive deeper into the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Learn about his courage, convictions, and the price he paid for standing up for his beliefs. Let his life challenge and inspire you.

Be a Watchman: Like Bonhoeffer, are you called to be a voice of warning and wisdom in your community? Don't silence the prophetic voice God may have placed within you. Speak up, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your timeless warnings and reminders. Help me to never drift away from my first love for You. Ignite in me a passion to live out my faith genuinely. Give me the courage to stand up for what is right, and the wisdom to discern the times. Amen.