Romans 1: 1-7 (links validated 12/2/25a)

In her famous Diary, Anne Frank spoke of the grace, though she’d never use that word, some Dutch people showed their Jewish neighbors and her. She noted, “There are many resistance groups, such as Free Netherlands, that forge identity cards, provide financial support to those in hiding, organize hiding places and find work for young Christians who go underground. “It’s amazing how much these generous and unselfish people do, risking their own lives to help and save others. The best example of this is our own helpers, who have managed to pull us through so far and will hopefully bring us safely to shore, because otherwise they’ll find themselves sharing the fate of those they’re trying to protect.” In a book I once read whose title I’ve since forgotten, the author insisted the Dutch people who risked their lives most for their Jewish neighbors during the Nazi occupation were communists and members of Reformed churches. While it may seem like an odd partnership of grace, it shows the power God and God’s grace has to make a difference in the lives of people who don’t even necessarily recognize it.

In 2006 Charles Carl Roberts massacre 5 people in a one-room Amish schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania. Among the victims whose Christian faith led to her obedience was 13 year-old Marian Fisher. She, after all, stepped forward and told Roberts, “Shoot just me, and leave the others go.” Quite simply, Marian offered to take the place of children who were younger, smaller and weaker. Some couldn’t help but hear in her offer echoes of Jesus. He, after all, stepped forward to let God condemn him in the place of people who were smaller and weaker. Even more incredibly, Jesus died for people who are completely naturally capable of crucifying him. Yet the Amish obedience that comes from faith didn’t end with Marian Fisher’s sacrificial offer. It also embraced the father, wife and children of the man who so callously murdered their children before killing himself. The Amish community donated some of the funds people sent them to Roberts’ family...

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