THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

Comfort the troubled, and trouble the comfortable. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Our theologian for this week will be the German Lutheran by the name of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer is most known for his pinnacle work “The Cost of Discipleship” which spoke to how to be a Christian in a secular world, something that is very relevant for all of us. What made Bonhoeffer particularly influential was his criticism of the Nazi regime. He was openly critical about the treatment of Jews and ultimately was arrested and then killed in a concentration camp. However, his powerful words and commitment to his faith continue to serve as an inspiration to us all.

This quote for today from Bonhoeffer focuses so much on who Jesus was in the world. Jesus did both of these acts very effectively in that he challenged those who were set in their ways and comfortable but simultaneously sought to support those who needed it most. For those of us who are comfortable in our current lives, we need to be challenged to think about others and a world that is very different than our own. We can sit in our ivory towers with all our needs met and forget those in our very midst that struggle to eat, find shelter, who live in violence, and various other challenges in this world. With the added influence of technology, we could comfortably plug in and forget that others even exist. And, yet Jesus reminded leaders, those of means, and even most harshly religious leaders that there is work to do and we shouldn’t be too comfortable.

And we should always seek to comfort others when we can. There is much in this world that is hard and difficult. There is not a person that escapes this world without a need for comfort, companionship, support, and a listening ear. Jesus modeled this throughout his ministry whether on the side of the road, standing on the steps of the temple, or when gathered at the table. He saw the needs of others and others freely came to him seeking his consolation. With our whole hearts and whole beings, we are called to be servants.

Prayer

God of movement and purpose, we all have times in our lives when we need comfort and when we are comfortable. In times of comfort, help us to think and move towards others that are less comfortable. And in times of need, allow us to welcome the comfort of others as a balm for our hurt. In Jesus Name, Amen.