benning@iccgcc.decnet.ab.com (04/10/91)
******** Gentile Heroes of the Holocaust ********** Brothers and sisters in Messiah Jesus, This April 11, many of our Jewish brothers and sisters will observe what is called "Yom Hashoa", (Holocaust Rememberance Day). Of all the enigmas facing historians, none is as dark a period as the Holocaust. It was a time of darkness and a time when the world adopted an attitude of indifference. Especially toward the Jews who were suffering so at the hands of the Nazis. As I minister to Jewish men and women, one thing that always comes up is that it was the "Christians" who were responsible for many of the deaths of the Jewish people in Europe. The terms Christian, Gentile, and Nazi become a horrifying trinity. I hear how Christians have always been anti-semetic. It was just a while ago that Mr. Robert Levene reminded us that Martin Luther was remembered as the man who urged action such as burning down the synagogues, destroy jewish dwellings, force Jews into physical labor and take their holy books. No matter what good Luther did, he will always be remembered by the Jewish people as an enemy of the Jewish people. This is most unfortunate. Also, and EVEN MORE Unfortunate, is that Jesus has been regarded as the ring- leader of the Holocaust. When our Messianic Congregation has public events here in Cleveland, some Jewish groups always come out to hand out pamphlets that state "Nazis were Christians, to enter into these dwellings, you become one of them." These are the terrible scars of the heart, that are beneath the surface. A frightening paranoia of all that is Christian and bares the name of Jesus. There only cure, is the one they deny. Yet, we are the ones to blame for our lack of concern and not Jesus. Yet, during those harsh days of the Holocaust, there did shine a light of Christian love. There were those who risked there lives, and the lives of their loved ones to save one or two Jewish lives from the "camps" of death. Thanks to these heroes of the faith, thousands of Jewish lives were saved. The names; Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat;Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist; Anna Polewska, a Polish house keeper;the Dominican nuns in Vilno;Joop Westerweel, a Dutch teacher; Father Joseph Andre, a Belgian Catholic priest, and many thousands more. A small Protestant farm community in France called Le Chanbon, under leadership of Reverend Andre Trocme, saved 5,000 Jews, mostly children. He is quoted as saying "Pacifism doesn't mean doing nothing." How true. Even under threats of retaliation from the Nazis, Reverend Trocme stood firm. When the towns people were interviewed as to why they did this, they answered "The people needed our help and it was just the right thing to do." I wonder if people today would have such moral convictions and courage. Today, the people of Le Chanbon are remembered, and honored at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. 16,000 trees have been planted in honor of these "righteous Gentiles." How often have you heard of these people? Perhaps this is the first time. How about our Jewish friends? What do they remember more, the gentiles who killed their families or those who saved them? Today, I ask you to examine your heart. What are your attitudes toward Israel and G-ds' chosen people? Would you see them sent to the gas chambers or would you lay down your life for your brother and sister? Who would be glorified in your actions; Our Lord or Satan? As the last days approach, we can count on things heating up for G-ds' people, both Jews and Christians. How will you react to the evil around you. Will you return curse for curse, or will you bless those who curse you? Will you return evil for evil, or will you overcome evil with good. We are witnesses of light and love. Let us show Jesus in ALL our actions. Let us be friends with our Jewish co-workers, and neighbors. Let Jesus work in your heart to tear down any wall that the "world" has built and eliminate all obstacles to show them you care for them. If there is a hint of anti-semetism in your opinions, give it to G-d, and ask Him to take it away, for your good and the good of the Jewish people. It is hard to show someone Jesus, when we are doing the work Satan. Sincerely, Bruce Benning -------------Religion may inform and reform------------- ----------but only Messiah Jesus can Transform---------- Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened and heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me. [Psalm 66:16-20]