Its not whether it's right or wrong, but is it true!

Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound.

Last night at my small group the issue of capital punishment came up. The question was asked of each in the room, "where do you stand on capital punishment?"

I was the only person to stand up and speak out against it. I believed that me reasonings are built on how I interpret the scriptures and most of all what Jesus went to the cross for...to forgive us of our sins, all of them, regardless of what they are. I also hope that my view is built on compassion and forgiveness of others....on grace, His GRACE.

It has bugged me since last night. I have felt very unsettled by all this. Today I have been reading opinions of others who reflect on scripture. There are very compelling arguments for and against.

I am still at the same place I was...and it doesn't matter if capital punishment is right or wrong but is it truly what God desires for His people.

The Old Testament has lots of examples (I think 36) that definitely support that capital punishment was introduced by God. Of those 36, only one for murder would be on a list of capital offenses today.

The New Testament doesn't renounce capital punishment. At no time does Jesus say it's wrong but then he doesn't say it's right though either. Even with the adulterous woman, to avoid being caught between the two laws, Jesus responds by saying "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone." So he doesn't say that the adulterous woman (and the man who she was with) should be stoned to death, but he also doesn't make a stand and say capital punishment is wrong.

Jesus on a few occasions says we are to submit to the authorities and the laws. Romans 13 also is a prescription written by Paul with direction on how we can live in the world even with and under the authority of corrupt governments.

Where I continue to struggle is that for me submission to authority doesn't mean I curl up in the fetal position and just take whatever these authorities wish to dish out and go quietly. I need to stand up and have my voice heard if it's in the name of Jesus. I need to speak out and to stand up for what is TRUE! When I have done that then I submit. It still doesn't mean I endorse it nor support their ideas.

I guess what concerns me shouldn't at all because when I break it done it is me making judgement against others but here is my concern...are we using scripture to support our own opinions/believes or are we going to the scriptures to have God reveal his opinion/believe?

In all the arguments for and against I have read today and what I heard last evening, I am certain there is no answer on whether capital punishment is right or wrong...what is incredibly evident to me is that His Grace must prevail in all situations and that He and He alone will provide judgement on our day of reckoning. So regardless of whether we are made in His image and therefore by that have authority for law and order, He and He alone has authority over life and death!

My chains are gone, I've been set free!

Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers

I had a moment this morning and wanted to share it with you.

We are up in Edmonton for the Alberta Missions Fest and I left our hotel early and headed to Tim Horton’s for a hot beverage and some down time.

It is wicked cold today with the wind chill and about 4 inches of snow. I sat nestled in the corner in my nice down jacket and a guy walked in and sat at a table close by. We are in a sketchy area of downtown and he definitely fit the undesirable category.

I watched sipping my large drink as he tried to warm himself with his tiny little coffee. He kept putting his hands under his legs to try and warm himself. He was even shaking some. He did have a touque but I don’t think he had gloves.

It struck me that I should buy him something for his belly. I looked up and the line was really long at the till. I thought, hmm there is a girl cleaning tables. Maybe I could give her the money. I thought about how inconvenient it would be for me to wait and thought about getting up and leaving. Then I was reminded of a person example one of our pastor's used in a message a few weeks back. He shared about having opportunities to reach out but how his fear kept him from doing it. I appreciated those words because I was ready to walk.

I went and got in line. I was surprised how quickly it actually moved. I ordered the sandwich and took it to him. I said “you looked cold and I thought you could use something to warm your belly”. I could barely look at him. I am not sure why. He said thank you (which was all I needed to hear). As I was walking away I glanced back over my shoulder and he had a smile on his face.

I had to walk back seven blocks in the cold and snow. I cried the whole way and all I could think of wasn’t the sandwich I gave him but why didn’t I give him by gloves. In my selfishness all I could say was I needed them.

I am so human…at God’s prompting I acted but then I held back. He has so much more work to do in me.

I absolutely am not sharing this because I want to be acknowledge but rather because I want to encourage you to act when you feel His leading. Even more, don't be like me and just give the shirt of your back. Give your coat and if necessary your boots too.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

I still have tears in my eyes now. I can't help but think of this man's freezing cold hands. Please pray for him and pray for me.