The Price Of Justice
With the acquittal of the Duke Lacrosse players, the disbarment of district attorney Mike Nifong, and the jailing of Paris Hilton, we have been privileged to see yet another clear and convincing demonstration of the reality that in the
Mike Nifong was an out-of-control political predator. He chose to prey on some rich young men who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. If the men had been poor, they would have been serving big jail time right now. Nifong would be hailed as a great protector of the people, and innocent men would be paying a heavy personal price for his success.
Paris Hilton did some stupid things, but do you think for an instant that jail will rehabilitate her? Does she need to be punished to be an example that justice reigns for everyone, no matter whether rich or poor? We’ve already seen that the sheriff’s office showed undue lenience and the judge issued an especially hard sentence for her crime. All this was an attempt to show impartiality, but it accomplished just the opposite. Even in jail, it is clear that because of her celebrity, she was treated differently.
Is it possible for us to ever regain any confidence in our justice system? I seriously doubt it. Major reformation is necessary and the good old boys who run it are loathe to make any changes unless they benefit financially. You might get the idea that I’m a hopeless cynic, and you’d be right.
I’m tempted to say that if I had the power I would make Mr. Nifong walk around the Duke campus wearing a sandwich board with his condemnation clearly communicated for onlookers to see. For his gross misuse of power, he should be humiliated ten times more than the young men whom he tormented. But then, something in the back of my mind protests that if I had committed such a grievous injustice, I wouldn’t want that kind of public humiliation. Even if I were guilty of the crime, I would plead for mercy and hope to get it.
In contrast to our justice system, God’s justice seems, on the surface, to be unfairly condemning. If we sin we deserve to die. It’s that simple. There is a law. If we break it, then the only penalty is death.
It seems especially unjust because God himself is the prosecutor. How could you or I ever argue successfully against God?
The really cool thing, though, is that God is our public defender as well. On the surface, this is a bit messed up, but if you or I are the criminal on trial, it’s really good news. Before the trial even begins we get a choice: take what comes or let Jesus take the punishment for our crime. If we take Jesus’ offer, the trial is over and our criminal record shows no arrests or convictions. We do no time for our crime.
Since God is both the prosecutor, judge, and the public defender, we need have no fear of anything less than complete impartiality. It doesn’t matter whether we are rich or poor, whether we are young or old, powerful or weak. We all get treated the same.
The sentence for every crime that has been or ever will be committed has already been paid. Acquittal is offered freely for anyone who will accept it. We’ve got to want it, though. It means giving up our pride. It means trusting God with our lives. It means that we need to take the time to understand why Jesus makes the offer and then live our lives in line with our new understanding.
Will we always get justice while we live on this earth? Probably not. But we need have no fear, because we won’t get justice in heaven either. The kinds of things we have done are not deserving of everlasting life, with no more pain, no more sorrow, no more death. We may not deserve it, but every one of us can have it. For free. All we have to do is accept it. Jesus offers it freely to all who come to Him.
Now, that’s the best justice system I've heard of, and everyone in the world can easily afford it.
I think that often it is perspective which gives us our view. I love science as well. Being a Christian it only confirms to me a loving God. Look in detail at any thing in nature. Take for instance the butterfly. the pattern on the wings, gets more detailed,as we view it under close detail.
My question would be- is it rational that so much order could come from random. What about the development of a child. Everything progresses in order and on time. How long would it take random development for such a thing.
Another thing that often strikes me is that non- believers are critical fo believers. But, they often are some of the most closed minded.
Belief, in my view is exactly that. I find non- believers often are critical of those that believe. They shout we are narrrow minded and believe in dreams.
My view: both sides need to treat the other with dignity and be open minded. Anyone which honestly is seeking, does find. But, when we come to the table with critical hearts: we will find what we are looking for.
I respect all people,though I may not agree with them.
Posted by Linda | 8:01 AM
I am guilty...but by grace I have hope and a future.
Posted by Chad | 11:59 AM