First They Came – is a famous poem critiquing the German political and social climate that led to the Holocaust. It is often regarded as a cautionary tale attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller, but upon learning about Martin’s personal history, it becomes a poignant lament for his own decisions. Modern social media would identify his story as FAFO, or a Leopard eating his face.

First, they came for the Communists.
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me

Son of a priest, Niemöller served as a German submarine commander during the First World War. Finding employment difficult following the war, he followed his father into the ministry and was ordained in 1929. Believing the existing German government was unable to deal with his country’s problems, Martin became an early supporter of the Natzi party. At that time, he believed Hitler would provide strong leadership and restore Germany to a powerful and respected nation. Recognizing the nation’s moral decline, Martin also believed the Natzi party would lead his country back to its Christian roots, and often referred to Hitler as an ‘instrument sent by God’.

Starting to recognize Hitler’s dictatorial traits in the mid-thirties, Niemöller began to push back against the Natzis when they started to control the German Protestant Church by appointing an official leader who changed Bible text that the Nazis saw as ‘Jewish ideology’. Openly rebelling against governmental control of the church, Martin was arrested and released several times. Not learning his lesson of compliance, the Gestapo finally sent him to a concentration camp in 1938. Transferred through several camps, Niemöller was finally freed from an Austrian camp by the American army in April of 1945.

Shortly after his release, Martin headed a group of German churches that admitted they did not do enough to resist the Natzis. He encouraged his fellow Germans and Christians to accept their responsibility in enabling Hitler and the Natzi party to commit their atrocities. In a 1946 sermon, he stated ‘We must openly declare that we are not innocent of the Nazi murders, of the murder of German communists, Poles, Jews, and the people in German-occupied countries… And this guilt lies heavily upon the German people and the German name, even upon Christendom. For in our world and in our name have these things been done.’

Although his opinions were not well received in post-war Germany, Niemöller’s poem gained popularity as he spoke about his life’s experience under Nazi rule during his 1947 world tour. Inspiring many people worldwide to love their fellow man, Martin Niemöller died at the age of 92 on March 6, 1984. He died as a Christian symbol of resistance that stood against governmental tyranny. Martin’s life story teaches us that although we may be late to recognize a face eating Leopard, it is never too late to follow the instructions of Jesus and treat others the way we would want to be treated. Luke 6:31 Modern English Version 31 Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Matthew 22:37-40 The Message 37-40 Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.”

Humanity has always lived in fear of danger and uncertainty. Faithful Christians may often wonder which path they should take or which worldly leader they should support. Although Jesus was talking about which religious leader to follow, I believe Christians can apply His words to worldly leaders as well. At some point, our leaders are apt to disappoint us as they are human, but Christians should be able to recognize leaders who demonstrate love by how they treat and talk about others. Christians who are looking for a sign from God should observe and recognize the signs their leaders display through their actions. Matthew 7:16-20 New Catholic Bible 16 By their fruits you will know them. Does one pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but a rotten tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruits you will know them.

God has provided his followers with the best advice on how to live in this uncertain world, regardless of where you live or which political system is in control. Abraham knew he was not a citizen of this world and faithfully followed wherever God led him. Christians need to maintain the faith of Abraham, secure in the knowledge that God will send Jesus to rule over this world and will fulfill all of His promises. Romans 12:17-19 Easy-to-Read Version 17 If someone does you wrong, don’t try to pay them back by hurting them. Try to do what everyone thinks is right. 18 Do the best you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 My friends, don’t try to punish anyone who does wrong to you. Wait for God to punish them with his anger. In the Scriptures, the Lord says, “I am the one who punishes; I will pay people back.”

The patience required to wait for Jesus goes against our human nature, and it is always easier said than done. As the civil rights movement’s slogan states, the key is to ‘keep your eyes on the prize’. I practiced this advice in the winter’s predawn darkness of Prince George, BC, as I drove my logging truck across the old First Avenue Fraser River train bridge. The bridge at that time had a slender single-lane framework of slotted steel suspended like an afterthought on both sides of the main train bridge. Heading east with an empty truck equipped with a 10-foot off-highway logging bunk that just barely missed the bridge supports, I had to keep my focus on the only light the bridge had. It was about 500 meters away at the far end of the bridge. When I kept my eyes on that light, I could easily cross swiftly over the narrow passage. If I started to look at the steel girders whizzing past, I would begin to drift back and forth in the lane, without much space from a certain catastrophe. To keep from ending up in the icy river below, I would have to redirect my gaze back to the light shining in the distance at the end of the bridge.

I find my Christian life has been like crossing that bridge long ago. When I begin to look at the perils that are close by and surround me, I will grow anxious. But just like crossing that bridge, I know that when I am focused on the light of Jesus, God will continue to sustain me. Whatever happens in my life, I know I am a beloved child of God, and He will work things out for the best. Even if I sabotage myself through poor choices or if others intend me harm, God will make all experiences profitable in the end. Romans 8:28 New Living Translation 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Psalm 112:7 GOD’S WORD Translation 7 He is not afraid of bad news. His heart remains secure, full of confidence in the Lord.