Chapter One: Providence?

Mordecai’s challenge to Esther (Esther 4:14) was far from convincing. “Who knows,” he questioned. “Perhaps it was for a time and place such as this that God has put you where you are.” Yet, Esther knew that Mordecai was asking her to put her life on the line on the chance that God Himself had arranged her meeting with destiny. Esther’s story is the tale of the courageous gamble which paid off well – faith rewarded with the words, “happily ever after…” Our look into the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer forces our consideration of faith deeper into Hebrews 11 than we normally tend to venture. Usually, we play happily in the fields of the great faith chapter until we get to the middle of verse 35, where the drastic change of tone is so abrupt and severe that it knocks us senseless. Right in the middle of that verse the rewards for great faith and obedience move from wonderful to horrific – torture, jeers, flogging, several kinds of death! How can this be the reward for faith?
The first chapter of the Metaxas text is far more than literary puffery or simple background on the subject at hand. Metaxas is raising the curtains and revealing the stage that will provide the backdrop for our journey through Bonhoeffer’s life. Among the greatest questions set forth for our consideration is the idea of providence. Bonhoeffer’s lineage, time of birth, intellect, courage, faith, ethic – almost everything about the man, point like a rifle scope on the target that was Adolf Hitler. In the end, it was not Bonhoeffer’s decision regarding Hitler that finishes the story. Rather, it is the life of a man and his legacy that makes Bonhoeffer so intriguing. What’s more – no consideration of the providential hand of God in another person’s life leaves us untouched. It is something like a funeral, where our attention on the other’s obvious mortality is overwhelming interrupted by the consideration of our own. Has God placed you or I where we are, here and now? Bonhoeffer’s friend, Peter Olden, recalled that he was surprised by Dietrich that anyone could be so aware of “exactly where he stood.”
Be challenged.
Some things to consider as you look through Chapter one:
• Bonhoeffer is shown even at an early age as a protector. We will discuss the rival concepts of warrior-protector vs. warrior-conqueror during the seminar.
• Bonhoeffer’s family culture is described as seeking selflessness, generosity, and helping others. He seemed to be a lifelong advocate and example of these ideals. Does this fit our idea of the kind of person who would ultimately be hung for attempted murder?
• Two other themes emerge: simplicity and truthfulness.
• The Bonhoeffer family was decidedly anti-stupid.
• Our first strong challenge to “cheap grace” is presented. Do you see Dietrich’s response?
Blessings!