Acts 16:37 But Paul said to the officers: "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out."
This weekend, our town was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the tragic news that one of our local pastor’s daughters had been cold-bloodedly murdered and ruthlessly executed by the cowardly Taliban in Afghanistan. Cheryl Beckett was part of a ten person international medical missionary team who were all shot to death by those Islamic killers. Cheryl worked mainly with young nursing mothers and devoted her time and skills to their well-being. She had worked all over Asia for many years.
People and politicians, pastors and civic leaders keep telling me that I’m supposed to be tolerant and respectful of other religions, but this kind of murderous attack leaves me looking for justice and accountability. If Islam wants me to respect its followers, people, and leaders then I expect the Chief Mullah in Mecca or the leading Ayatollah in Iran to declare a fatwah or a jihad against these cowardly killers who call themselves Taliban.
That’s never going to happen – fatwahs are declared against Danish cartoonists, British authors, and even Mickey Mouse, but never against extreme fanatical followers of the Muslim faith. They don’t hold accountable brutal killers, but woe betide anyone who criticizes their faith.
When Paul and Silas were beaten up and put in prison, it was against the imperial law of Caesar. As they were about to be quietly released, Paul wanted to make sure that those who had mistreated them were held accountable for their mistakes. The leaders of the community had to come in person and apologize for their illegal actions. They were not going to be let off the hook. They were made to face their mistakes.
I believe that there are good Islamic people in the world, but I have yet to see their major religious leaders publicly declare against the Taliban. I guess evil triumphs when Islamic clerics say nothing.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we pray for the families of those slaughtered medical missionaries and we ask that You surround them with loving and caring communities. Their grief will be inconsolable at times and their sense of justice will be tragically twisted. We also ask that the hearts and minds of Islamic religious leaders begin to understand the evil that saying or doing nothing engenders. Grant them the courage to speak out against such inhumanity, so that they may earn our respect. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.
Today’s image is from John’s Psalm series and is based upon Psalm 94. If you would like to see a larger version of this drawing, please visit the following link:
