A Preacher's Devotion

Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed by Philip Hallie is the account of Pastor André Trocmé and his efforts in leading the village of Le Chambon, France, in providing refuge for Jews seeking to escape deportation to the Nazi concentration camps. In Hallie’s book, Pastor Trocmé acts from conscience, courageously resisting both his own government and the German occupiers to save many lives. Early in his resistance, Trocmé is questioned by the police chief, who says, “Pastor, we know in detail the suspect activities to which you are devoted.” Trocmé ignores the threat and simply responds, “I am their pastor, their shepherd. It is not the role of a shepherd to betray the sheep confided to his keeping.” Trocmé rightly identifies the object of his devotion as the people for which God has made him responsible. Pastor Trocmé is an example to any who would take up the mantle of leadership and seek to be a voice of moral clarity in difficult times, and the word “devotion” is a fitting description of what should motivate our service to God and to others.