The Government, David Hicks, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and you, and me.
28 February 2007
The Government, David Hicks, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and you, and me.
Those of you who know me reasonably well will be aware that I have long had a problem with the way the business of David Hicks has been handled. Each of us has to think our way through the issues. In this case I’ve had a sense that “something is not right with this picture”.
Let me declare upfront that I believe David Hicks deserves to be punished if indeed he is guilty of a crime. As Paul observes in Romans: “The emperor does not bear the sword in vain” If we keep in mind the distinction between Caesar and God which Jesus makes, it’s perfectly expected, and to be supported, that those who sin against a community must expect to be held accountable by the justice system. Justice must apply.
From a historic western, legal point of view there is a problem because David Hicks has been unable to have his day in court! That reflects on us as a secular society and the values we hold.
From a Pastor’s viewpoint something else has troubled me greatly. It’s this: Our government leaders, most of whom have strong Christian ties, and who are part of worshipping communities, make much of the fact that Australia is a Christian country with values, with ethics and morals, which arise out of the Judaeo – Christian history of Europe. This is expressed in a commitment to Ten Commandment type values. In the process our system of justice, and how it is put out there as the thing that makes us as uniquely Christian. It’s this commitment to bible principles which marks us a Christian. Viewed from this perspective, what has been allowed to happen (or not happen) to David Hicks creates no problems.
How about we approach this with the prodigal son in mind (Luke 15). There is a son who has messed up not only his life – but his position in the family! In that story, what marks the Father’s heart is the longing to have his son return, the rush to forgive, the declaration of welcome home, all wrapped in compassion and mercy. Not everybody likes the idea but that father always kept open a way back for his son. Now there’s a true Christian value from the mouth of Jesus himself! And how that stands in contrast to the position of the older brother who is deeply resentful of the unfairness of it all when he himself has always done the right thing.
I think what has offended me is this: that David Hicks is an Australian Citizen, who has been hung out to dry by his Government. I tell you straight, if one of my sons were to do something heinous, which warranted time in gaol, do I disown him? No! He’s still my son. He remains my son, and I long for him to be home. If it was against me that he had committed the crime, he’s still my son, and I still want him home.
There’s my conclusion. If we are going to argue this case on Christian foundations, we have to keep compassion, mercy and forgiveness, and reinstatement, in the picture. That’s the way of our heavenly Father. If justice (and fairness) is the only consideration then we line ourselves up with the older brother. We line ourselves up with the Pharisees!
Ah, how difficult it is to live out the mercy and forgiveness so freely given to us through Calvary!
Pastor Fred
The Government, David Hicks, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and you, and me.
Those of you who know me reasonably well will be aware that I have long had a problem with the way the business of David Hicks has been handled. Each of us has to think our way through the issues. In this case I’ve had a sense that “something is not right with this picture”.
Let me declare upfront that I believe David Hicks deserves to be punished if indeed he is guilty of a crime. As Paul observes in Romans: “The emperor does not bear the sword in vain” If we keep in mind the distinction between Caesar and God which Jesus makes, it’s perfectly expected, and to be supported, that those who sin against a community must expect to be held accountable by the justice system. Justice must apply.
From a historic western, legal point of view there is a problem because David Hicks has been unable to have his day in court! That reflects on us as a secular society and the values we hold.
From a Pastor’s viewpoint something else has troubled me greatly. It’s this: Our government leaders, most of whom have strong Christian ties, and who are part of worshipping communities, make much of the fact that Australia is a Christian country with values, with ethics and morals, which arise out of the Judaeo – Christian history of Europe. This is expressed in a commitment to Ten Commandment type values. In the process our system of justice, and how it is put out there as the thing that makes us as uniquely Christian. It’s this commitment to bible principles which marks us a Christian. Viewed from this perspective, what has been allowed to happen (or not happen) to David Hicks creates no problems.
How about we approach this with the prodigal son in mind (Luke 15). There is a son who has messed up not only his life – but his position in the family! In that story, what marks the Father’s heart is the longing to have his son return, the rush to forgive, the declaration of welcome home, all wrapped in compassion and mercy. Not everybody likes the idea but that father always kept open a way back for his son. Now there’s a true Christian value from the mouth of Jesus himself! And how that stands in contrast to the position of the older brother who is deeply resentful of the unfairness of it all when he himself has always done the right thing.
I think what has offended me is this: that David Hicks is an Australian Citizen, who has been hung out to dry by his Government. I tell you straight, if one of my sons were to do something heinous, which warranted time in gaol, do I disown him? No! He’s still my son. He remains my son, and I long for him to be home. If it was against me that he had committed the crime, he’s still my son, and I still want him home.
There’s my conclusion. If we are going to argue this case on Christian foundations, we have to keep compassion, mercy and forgiveness, and reinstatement, in the picture. That’s the way of our heavenly Father. If justice (and fairness) is the only consideration then we line ourselves up with the older brother. We line ourselves up with the Pharisees!
Ah, how difficult it is to live out the mercy and forgiveness so freely given to us through Calvary!
Pastor Fred
posted by PastorFredVeerhuis at 10:32 AM
2 Comments:
comment regarding your skewed view of david hicks.
firstly...no normal person packs his bags and goes off to a foreign military camp with the intent to fight against his own country and its allies....that is called TREASON.
In USA...two men convicted of TREASON in the 1970's got 40 years prison & Life...and their still in prison today....why because TREASON is a Serious Crime. So david hicks spending a few years in prison doesn't really compare.
The laughable thing is that you claim that the "rules of law" aren't being applied fairly in david hick's case....what????
the rules of Secular/Wordly Law which change from decade to decade and from country to country depending upon the legislators/rulers !
NO...the current batch of lawyers in Australia don't like the "rules of law" to change because they don't like that game !
Put it this way....if you want to play by the rules of the world law EXPECT Change ! And don't winge when the rules don't suit you.
furthermore...Pastor Fred...you compare (ludicrously i might add) that we shoud see hicks in view of the prodigal son !
REALLY?
I thought the message of the prodigal son was the REPENTANCE of the son upon his return to the father.
WHERE'S THE REPENTANCE ?
It doesn't exist Pastor Fred...or do you know something we don't ?
Don't Apply biblical principles Inaccurately and Falsely as you've done in this case.
God Himself is merciful and compassionate but you better believe also the SEVERITY of God Almighty if you're not willing to REPENT and Turn from Sin !
How on earth can you dare suggest david hicks is REPENTED is beyond me.
Getting back to the LAW.
Don't complain if the rules of law are different overseas.
Wake up and smell the roses.
You either play by the "World's" Rules OR God's Rules....YOU CANNOT Hedge your Bets Pastor Fred !
God Rules calls for heart felt REPENTANCE...For you to conclude the hicks somehow is analogous to the prodigal son is shameful !
Read your bible more carefully Pastor Fred.
My bible tells me without REPENTANCE the is NO FORGIVENESS.
p.s
the story of the prodigal son also has the Righteous Honorable father the son returns to for mercy....do it not?
who's the righteous honorable father in this case (since you think this parables analogous to hick's plight) ???
what...his own father who's does NOT call for his son to confess/repent...OR....more broadly....the "Australian People"...who also don't call for hicks to Repent !!!
So How on Earth can you MIX the Worlds/Secular Law Which Changes like the wind with God's Way???
this is typical of christendom today....
this God is Love ONLY Gospel and you Forget the Rest of the Gospel Message.
NAMELY....Repent...Be Baptised...Be Saved....Lose you Life if indeed you want to save it....Deny yourself and take up your cross daily.
the bible says.....Consider BOTH the Goodness AND Severity of God.
the worst thing Pastor Fred is you're MIXING changing world law with the Bible....be rest assured they DO NOT MIX !!!
Why do i say this...because your only basis for thinking hick's is somehow hard done by is based on Secular Law.
WOW...Which camp are you in?
why would a man of God use man's secular/wordly law to somehow suggest an injustice has occured?
we all know...secular/wordly law changes like the wind...so don't be dissapointed when the rules change not to favour the offender !
signing off....Brian
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