Mysteries

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote: “All Christian theology has its origin in the wonder of wonders, that God became human. . . Seized and compelled by the wonder of the [Incarnation], we are moved to consider again, reverently, the mysteries of God.” ​

In the constraints of faith we find freedom. (Jn. 8:31-36)

In weakness we can be strong. (Zech. 4:6; 2 Cor. 12:9-10)

Forgiving those who wound us paves the way for our recovery. (Mt. 6:14-15)

A few people, praying together, can overcome overwhelming odds. (Mt 17:20; 18:19)

Small first steps, taken in faith, lay a strong foundation for large endeavors. (Zech. 4:10; Mt. 25:21)

One who gives extravagantly will be made rich in every way. (Lk. 6:38; 2 Cor. 9:6-11)

Hardship and mistreatment are advanced placement courses in mature faith and character, and those who qualify can be glad. (Mt. 5:11-12; Jam. 1:2-4; 1 Pet. 3:9-14)

In Christ, death is the passageway to eternal life. (1Cor. 15:51)

For our sakes, Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. In the greatest of all turnabouts, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the Name above every name. (Phil 2:5-11)

In the mystery of the incarnation, Bonhoeffer explains, "what happens to Jesus Christ, happens to us." Without attempting to unravel these mysteries, we can trust all the inverse promises of God that confound expectations.

Quotes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, A Testament to Freedom, p. 448-449