Many Christian leaders are calling for the death penalty for certain criminals as a consequence and deterrent to crime, but is this the right action? We boast of being a Christian nation, but are we following Christian principals in calling for the death penalty? Are we truly looking to Christ for our example?
Cain deserved death, but it was the mercy of God that allowed him to walk the earth and stayed the hands of others from killing him (Genesis 4:8-15). Did not God also show mercy to King David who committed both adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11)? What of Adam and Eve who deserved death, yet mercy allowed them to continue in life. The New Testament is filled with examples of mercy, notably the story of Jesus not stoning the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-12).
If we really want to follow the Jewish law in punishing with sin, then lets address all sin and not only our pet sins. The pulpits in this land are quick to condemn murder and homosexuality, but are strangely silent on adultery, fornication, pornography, theft in the workplace, rebellious children, etc. When we do this we mock the scriptures. Our politicians and religious leaders stand guilty of stroking the passions of the people in calling for violence to cure violence. Where are the calls for repentance from the pulpit? Where are the organized mass visits to the prisons to witness to those souls in need? Do we stand guilty of the same sins as Sodom…?
Ezekiel 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
Are our hearts going out to all in need? Our wayward young men and women are in dire need of Christ. Others are in need of jobs, clothing, etc? Are we as Bahamians being our brother’s keeper?
Our hearts and minds must be turned to Christ and not to the wisdom of men. We who claim to follow the Bible should never decide issues on merely emotional basis as too many leaders are urging us to do, but rather we should search the scriptures for divine instruction (John 5:39, Acts 17:10-11).
Telephone
242-322-6273
Postal address
PAUL MILLER
P.O.BOX N8993
NASSAU, BAHAMAS.