0.2 Sj2

Chapter 2

Criminals and saints

From the very beginning of the bible God shows us how he has used persons with a violent or sinful past to be his instruments of peace. Far too often the mainstream church has left the real persons in need in a sea of rejection. It is almost as if the“Christians”of these churches are wearing blinders towards the world they live in.

Genesis 4 tells us about the murder of Abel from his brothers, Cain, action. Under the old law an eye for an eye mentality existed, and unfortunately oh so true in today’s religious rights underlying messages. But we read on to see in Genesis 8:15, 16 that God would not allow Cain’s punishment to be death. Rather he was banished to another land. Here we see that God’s action is one of redemption for one who has sinned.

Genesis 19:30-36 is an episodic view of incest and abuse. Lot’s two daughters got him drunk and had sex with him, so they could preserve their family lineage. No where in this story does it speak of God’s wrath or swift judgment.

Not to be sarcastic, but that story of Lot’s daughters reminds me of our present day societies overzealous consumption in reality television shows. Many of these shows reflect the perverse nature in our society. We as esoteric can call this the lower nature of man. While on the other hand those who are seen as partakers in these shows elicit an aloof roll from our eyes, instead of an opportunity to exhibit to others God’s mercy and redemption.

Genesis 27 exhibits for us the conspiracy of fraud and stealing in the actions of Jacob and his mother. They both plotted to steal the birthright and blessings of the first son by tricking Esau. Yet God saw that Jacob would later play a pivotal role in showing God’s mercy to his creations through Jacob’s serving God.

Genesis 37 even speaks of an ever growing problem facing our society today. Joseph’s family sold him into slavery. How many times have we seen or heard of persons in our own country buying and selling of human beings for the economic growth of others. Slavery is still an issue in our world today in many different ways. Yet again God used his instrument as a servant by Joseph to exhibit the more heavenly ways of God. Especially how God meets the needs of those who call out to him.

Exodus 2:11-15 speaks to us on how Moses killed an Egyptian and then fled, ran from the retribution that Pharaoh wanted. Yet Moses comes back to be the instrument of deliverance for God’s chosen people exhibiting how God’s mercy was granted to Moses.

2 Samuel 11 speaks to the adulterous and murderous actions of David. 2 Samuel 12 shows us how God used Nathan to rebuke David in his actions against the basic message God gave his own children. Yet once David became aware of his actions against the laws of God, he accepted God’s mercy and became the instrument of peace God had intended.

John 18:10 shows Simon Peter, in the garden, the night the soldiers came for Jesus, became violent to the extent of using his sword to cut an ear off of one of the soldiers. Yet the very foundation of church was built on Peter, his actions again were again forgiven by the mercy of God. John 18:11 Jesus commands Peter to put away his sword. I think it is time that our churches put away the sword of indifference and become the instrument of mercy in our community.