Nazi Sabbath-Keeper

During World War II, a Sabbath-keeper was forced into the army because he was an engineer. Though a Christian literature salesman and married with two children, he was nonetheless constrained to serve his country. Franz Hasel was interrogated as to why being a German he kept a Jewish day. He responded that it was not a Jewish day but rather God’s day.

He was held suspect and finally told that when the war ended, he would be sentenced to death as a traitor. The lieutenant made this note in his record. He continued his labor as a bridge builder. At times, while having to go ahead of the team to purchase supplies, he would warn any Jew to leave town.

This way, he was able to save some. Finally, the war became more intense against the Russians.

Fearing that they would not survive against the odds, the leading officers called Franz in for a secret and private meeting. “Tell us, who do you think will win the war?” With the promise that nothing would be done to him, they pressed him for an answer. Pulling out the Bible, Franz unveiled the marvelous prophecy of the second chapter of Daniel.

He concluded by telling them that Hitler’s ambition to reunite Europe was diametrically opposed to the written will of God. Therefore, they were not fighting against the Allies, but rather against God.

Convinced of the predicted outcome, they ordered him never to tell anyone of their meeting. They further ordered, since he was the one assigned as the supply purchaser, to buy enough fuel to get them back to Germany on their retreat. And so it happened. The whole unit was spared based on one man’s faith in the unfailing Word of God and His commandments.

After being captured, the interrogating American noticed Franz’s record. “Why?” Was the question. “Because I am a Sabbath-keeper, and thus, I was charged with treason.”

“Are you a Jew?” Questioned the interrogator who happened to be an American Jew. “No,” responded Franz. “I am a Christian who believes in obeying a ‘thus saith the Lord,’ and Saturday is the biblical day of worship.”

“What is your occupation?” asked the American soldier. “An engineer, but before the war I was a Christian salesman,” responded Hasel.

“Alright, I am going to stamp ‘farmer’ on your papers so you can get out quicker,” he was told. When Franz finally returned to Frankfurt, he discovered that all of the buildings in his neighborhood were destroyed.

He wondered about the safety of his wife and children. When he neared the building where he left them, it was still standing—the only one in the entire neighborhood.

God had protected them and blessed his faithfulness.