Extreme Devotion: Day 130 - Extreme Favor

Released on May 10, 2025, by The Voice of The Martyrs

Introduction

In episode Day 130: Extreme Favor of the Extreme Devotion series by The Voice of The Martyrs, the host delves into a profound narrative of forgiveness and unwavering faith amidst unimaginable adversity. This episode highlights the extraordinary actions of Sabina Wormbrand during the Nazi occupation of Romania, emphasizing the transformative power of Christian compassion even towards one's oppressors.

The Courageous Act of Sabina Wormbrand

The episode opens with a compelling introduction to Sabina Wormbrand, a pastor’s wife who exhibited remarkable bravery by hiding Nazi soldiers during a tumultuous period. While initially presented as hiding Soviet soldiers, the narrative clarifies that it was, in fact, Nazi officers seeking refuge.

At [00:00], the host states: "Sabina Wormbrand, a pastor's wife, had hidden Soviet soldiers during the Nazi occupation of their country. Now it was Nazi soldiers who needed refuge."

Sabina and her husband sheltered three German officers in a modest building behind their home. Despite harboring profound hatred as a Jew for the Nazis' atrocities, which had tragically cost her family, Sabina’s Christian faith compelled her to offer both physical safety and spiritual guidance to these very soldiers.

Humanizing the Enemy

A pivotal moment unfolds when a German captain confronts Sabina: "I wonder why a Jewess should risk her life for a German soldier. I do not like Jews, and I do not fear God. I must tell you that when the German army recaptures Bucharest, and it surely will, I will never return the favor to you." [Timestamps: MM:SS not provided]

Undeterred by his hostility, Sabina persists in her mission, sharing the message of forgiveness and redemption. She professes: "Even the worst crimes are forgiven by faith in Jesus Christ. I have no authority to forgive, but Jesus does."

Her unwavering stance intrigues the officer, who responds thoughtfully: "I won't say I understand you, but perhaps if more people had this gift of returning good for evil, then there would be less killing."

Despite their eventual escape to Germany without repentance, Sabina and her husband succeeded in demonstrating the essence of Christianity—loving and forgiving even those who have caused profound personal pain.

The Parable of the Sower: A Lesson in Faith

Transitioning from the historical account, the host relates Jesus’s Parable of the Sower to underscore the themes of faith and receptivity to the Gospel. The parable illustrates how the "seed"—symbolizing God's word—falls on various types of soil, yielding different outcomes based on the heart's openness.

At one point, the host explains: "In his story, the seed is the word of God. Like birds who gobble up the trampled seeds outside a garden, the devil wants to take God's word away from those who hear it. In contrast, those who represent good soil receive God's word and respond."

This metaphor serves as a reminder that while believers can offer the Gospel, the ultimate response lies beyond their control. The host imparts encouragement to listeners facing indifference or rejection: "Whenever we share the gospel with others, we don't know what type of soil is in their hearts. We can't be responsible for their response, positive or negative. Are you discouraged because someone did not respond to the gospel? You have done your part. Now let God do his."

Conclusion: Embracing Extreme Favor

Day 130's episode of Extreme Devotion encapsulates the profound impact of extending grace and forgiveness beyond societal and personal boundaries. Sabina Wormbrand's story serves as a testament to the transformative potential of faith, inspiring listeners to embody similar virtues in their own lives.

By intertwining historical bravery with biblical teachings, The Voice of The Martyrs encourages a deeper understanding of what it means to live out one's faith authentically, even in the face of extreme adversity.

Notable Quotes:

• "Even the worst crimes are forgiven by faith in Jesus Christ. I have no authority to forgive, but Jesus does." – Sabina Wormbrand [Timestamp: MM:SS]

• "I won't say I understand you, but perhaps if more people had this gift of returning good for evil, then there would be less killing." – German Officer [Timestamp: MM:SS]

This episode serves as a poignant exploration of extreme favor, showcasing how unwavering faith and forgiveness can bridge even the deepest divides.