Thoughts on the Oscar Pistorius trial

Here in South Africa the Oscar trial is a little bit like the weather in that you cannot go more than a couple of hours without someone bringing it up in a conversation. For those who are unaware, Oscar Pistorius is an Olympic athlete on trial for the alleged murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The whole thing reminds me of the O.J. Simpson case which took place several years ago. I would just like to mention two things about this whole ordeal here.

Firstly, this is not Idols. It's not supposed to be entertainment and unless you are a judge,lawyer or witness, which is unlikely, your opinion is rather irrelevant. Granted it is in the public interest, but let us not forget that a real person has died, another person's life is ruined regardless of what verdict is reached and several others are suffering the loss of a loved one or are now dealing with strained relationships, anger, confusion and so on.

Secondly, I have been quite shocked at the reactions of some Christians. This whole "just wait until God gets his hands on him" business is extremely disturbing. If I know anything about God I would think that He must be hurting to see His creation in such turmoil. I believe that He is the prodigal Father who relentlessly pursues all of us. Longing for that which is outside of His will and on the path of destruction to be restored to Him, regardless of how far we may have strayed. I see in Jesus, the disciples, and even the OT prophets, men calling people to repentance that they might avoid destruction, not a blood lust to see others get what is coming to them. Surely our ministry to others is to see them reconciled to Christ rather than to tie the noose around their neck that they may meet him sooner rather than later?

Let us pray for a clearer revelation of who God is that we might learn to be more gracious and merciful toward one another and that we would be capable of praying for our enemies and blessing those who persecute us.