Those who are beheading their victims, in the name of God, shame the name of their God, and bring anguish to the vast majority of their co-religionists.
Jesus spoke of those who were so far from God that they called good evil and evil good. This seems to be the case here.
In recent days, many have also been appalled at the behaviour of Hampshire police in having the parents of Ashya King arrested and detained. Such actions don't seem civilised or kind.
In ancient days, as faithful people reflected on life's troubles and journeys, many wonderful songs were written. One such focusses on the relationship between the troubles we face, and the conflicts within our own souls.
From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help.
Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.
Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?
But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.' (Psalm 130.1-4)
What strikes me is that the singer/poet doesn't point the finger of blame at others, but takes responsibility for his or her own mistakes. I know for myself that I am usually the cause of most of my own struggles.
And it is to God I need to turn, again and again, to rescue me, to bring me his forgiveness and hope in the face of my own sense of despair (which is another word for hopelessness!)
Today, I pray for those caught up in the depths of their own or other people's wickedness and depravity, that they might find new life and hope from the God who sent Jesus for us.
Best wishes,
Richard
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