HUMAN JUSTICE
Ps. 34:14/Mt.18:21-35/Mk. 11:25/1 Thess.5:15

Ana Perrin, of Exeter, England, went into her kitchen and looked for a large knife, but couldn't find one. She searched for a broom or a stick, but still couldn't find what she wanted. Then she saw the large pot of boiling water on the stove.

She took the pot in both hands and emptied its entire contents into the lap of Lee Roberts, her nineteen-year-old renter, who had sexually abused her little five-year-old daughter.

"What this woman did," said Judge Jonathan Clarke, "was humanly justified. I'm sorry that I must condemn her to two years in prison."

This is not the first time a mother, whose little daughter has been violated by an inhuman criminal act, takes justice into her own hands. In this case, Ana Perrin inflicted injury to the part of the young man's body that she considered responsible for this evil deed.

There are situations when public outcry knows how to inflict punishment even when human law does not permit it. The law, of course, reserves that right for itself. But there is another law, that though it does not contradict civil and criminal law, it supersedes it, and sooner or later administers its judgment. It is the Divine law of "sowing and reaping". The Bible says, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" (Gal.6:7). The wrong which we do to another follows us all our life until the last detail is paid. This law is always fulfilled with inviolate certainty.

This, however, poses a universal problem. Since we all have sinned, who then can live in peace? It's in this area where the great mystery of the grace of God reveals itself to the fullest.

When we sincerely repent, in humility and remorse, God not only forgives us, but He also transforms us. We begin to see our enemy with a repentant and forgiving heart, and we want to make peace with those who have wronged us and those we have wronged. It is an incomprehensible experience but real nonetheless.

Vengeance is swallowed up in love as His perfect peace fills us.

In Samacá, Colombia there is a radio station called Ondas del Porvenir. A MESSAGE TO THE CONSCIENCE is broadcast twice each day, Monday through Saturday to almost one million people. Pray for each listener today.