JAILED
FOR A CAUSE

Topics: Christian Life; Compromise; Convictions; Courage; Evil; Sacrifice

References: 2 Timothy 1:8; 3:12

Martin Niemoeller, a World War I hero in Germany as a U-boat captain, was later imprisoned for eight years by Hitler on charges of treason. From 1937 to 1945, he spent time in prisons and concentration camps, including Dachau.

Still, Hitler realized much opposition would collapse if the influential Niemoeller, a leading figure in the German church, could be persuaded to join his cause, so he sent a former friend of Niemoeller.

Seeing Niemoeller in his cell, the onetime friend said, “Martin, Martin! Why are you here?”

The response? “My friend! Why are you not here?”

—Amos S. Cresswell, I’ve Told You Twice (Vigo, 1995)