WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE

In the world of quantum physics there are tiny particles that have been discovered that appear to be able to occupy two spaces at the same time. To be able to be in two places at once could be an incredible gift; by cloning yourself you could accomplish twice as much. You could earn twice the salary, or have one of your selves play while the other worked, or double your chances to win the lottery.

The fact of the matter is, we cannot occupy two spaces at once. It is a physical impossibility...it is also a spiritual one as well.

Thinking about myself about 20 years ago, I thought I could have one foot in the world and one foot in the Kingdom of God...straddling two realities. I found myself running myself ragged; attending church and even teaching classes from time to time, while later that day having selfish and sinful thoughts about what I could do next to fulfill the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16).

The discomfort I experienced was horrible, to say the least. There have been times when who I am (outside of Christ) has cried out from the grave to try and lure me back to that life. There have been times when I again briefly tried to make it “work”...to have one foot in the world and one in the Kingdom of God but then I started to feel that anxiousness, that uneasiness again.

The reason for it is this: Trying to occupy both realities, you find that you fit into neither. There is enough of one in you to disturb the part that has experienced the other. Anger ensues as does resentment and frustration and then comes the running. The running is the worst part - to try and keep yourself so busy that you think you can get away from deciding where you need to be. You immerse yourself in getting more stuff or doing more activities or burying yourself in relationships, events or even religion.

The reality is, that anything other than complete, full-tilt boogie surrender to Jesus you will soon find yourself exhausted and very unhappy. Nothing will ease the gnawing; nothing will erase the feeling that your missing something, like when you forget to get something at the grocery that you really needed, but can’t remember what...only much more intense and definitely more important. I experienced the anger, resentment and frustration...but thank God, when I ran, I ran to Him.

Please know that if you have this discomfort, this gnawing uneasiness, there is a cure. Get that one foot out of the quicksand that is the world and on the solid ground that is the Kingdom of God.

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

I discovered Dietrich Bonhoeffer about 18 years ago as a result of Steven Curtis Chapman's album, "For the Sake of the Call". He mentioned in the liner notes that he had been inspired to write the songs on this project as a result of having read Bonhoeffer's "The Cost of Discipleship". I knew I had to read it, and after having done just that, I became forever a follower/reader of all things Bonhoeffer.

With that being said, when I requested a copy of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas, I didn't realize what an incredible reading experience I was about to have. I have read much about Bonhoeffer over the years, as well as most of what he wrote, but I have never read such an interesting, engaging account of his life. I have even read Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Eberhard Bethge, who was one of Bonhoeffer's closest friends as well as member of the family by marriage...but, Metaxas' account is, by far, the best I have ever read.

He shows the history of Germany as a culture; academically, scientifically and theologically. He shows the reader how Germany was ripe for the ascent of a monster like Adolph Hitler as a result of World War I. The German people were disenchanted, disheartened and nationally emasculated by their defeat, so when a man making the promises of a Fatherland restored to it's pre-Kaiser glory came to light, they ravenously accepted him. This was the Germany in which Bonhoeffer came of age, both physically and theologically.

Metaxas brings to light letters, interviews and people in Bonhoeffer's life that I had never seen, or heard of, before. The passion that developed within the heart of the young Lutheran pastor and scholar is almost tangible as you read his efforts to hold the Church accountable in Hitler's Germany. The boldness that developed in his mind and heart only intensified as the times grew more and more difficult for the Church, and for him personally. The prophetic tenor that came from the voice and pen of this young man should never be forgotten, and thanks to Eric Metaxas, the information will always be available for the next generation of the brave and the bold within Christendom to learn from.

I HIGHLY recommend this book for the Bonhoeffer "fan" as well as the 20th Century history student. Metaxas presents the information with vivid detail and puts the necessary spiritual emphasis where needed. Read it, digest it and recommend it...but never give it away. This is a book that should be read and re-read if for no other reason than to remind us that God has always raised up men to speak the truth no matter the consequences.

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