Hello,
Here’s Today’s Holy Nougat™
“If someone kidnaps a person, the penalty is death, regardless of whether the person has been sold or is still held in possession. Exodus 21:16 MSG
Sometimes, when confronted with texts such as these, it is hard to imagine that kidnapping is as old as then. Moreso that the Lord offered such a harsh judgement.
How does one respond to an edict such as this? In one sense it may seem extreme, but for the family members who are grappling with the grief of their loved one, death may feel like a very quick punishment.
In our current context where the death penalty has been removed from most law books, it is incumbent on us to identify alternate preventative measures and also punishment which matches the crime (sufficient to deter potential criminals). What would that be like? Or have we given up hope for rehabilitation of criminals? How would the penalty provide solace to grieving families?
Lord, even as we wish to forgive, we recognize that one must be held accountable for one’s wrongdoing. Vengeance is Yours, but we often feel the need to exact Justice as we see fit. Please direct us in addressing the crime problem in our contexts we pray, in Jesus’s Holy name Amen
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
