Tag: justice

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CLARITY – 12-23-19 Slow But Sure

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 12-23-19

Slow But Sure 

What’s Happening: “Today courts in Saudi Arabia sentenced five to death in Kamal Khashoggi’s murder (3 others got a total of 21 years; 11 were tried). Remember that news event and the brouhaha surrounding it? Some thought Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was behind it (most of the Democrats in Washington, the U.N. special commission appointed to look into the matter, Turkish authorities, etc.); some thought he learned of it afterwards (Trump, many of the Republicans in Congress, etc.). I guess the truth may never be known this side of eternity (https://www.yahoo.com/news/saudi-sentences-5-death-jamal-095437622.html), ‘The prosecutor sentenced five hit men to death but did not touch those who were behind the five,” Yasin Aktay, the leader of the ruling party in Turkey (he was also a friend of Khashoggi), told The Associated Press.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “When will justice ever be served?”

Biblical Response:  “I guess it depends on to whom you talk. Obviously, some think it already has, while others think it probably won’t ever occur. Both may be wrong. One thing is for sure, truth and ultimate justice may be slow, but it surely will come…God will see to that. Besides, justice here and now (temporal justice) only affects the here and now (Heb. 9:27)…eternal justice is…well…for much, much longer, And, in the scope of eternity, is quite swift.”

“Christians? Oh, we believe in ultimate eternal justice. And that we are all subject to it (Lk. 13:1-3). However, the good news may be bad news for some. Sure, we are all resurrected (Acts 24:15), but to what? Eternal life or eternal death? As the saying goes: ‘Justice makes hell necessary, mercy makes heaven possible.’”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to not paint with too broad a brush when we are not privy to all the facts…and to rely on You because You are; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link:subdeo.com.’  Copyright © 2019 Alan E. Sargent

Reader:

May I indulge in a little self-promotion? Many of you read CLARITY every day…and you hopefully forward it on to still others. Some even subscribe from the website. Thanks! (One mother wrote that she wanted to subscribe to read it to her children everyday – read away!) However you get CLARITY, would you consider donating on the website? I’m happy to find useful purpose in helping folks stay informed and supplying what I think God has to say on the subjects of the day…still, I want to get this word out to others…which is what I’ll do with your gifts. Thanks in advance.

Blessings,

Alan

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CLARITY – 11-14-19 Not as You Think of Swift

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 11-14-19

Not as You Think of Swift

What’s Happening: “If everything went according to plan (and there’s nothing to indicate anything went awry), Ray Jefferson Cromartie, 52, died of lethal injection last night at 7:00 p.m. EST, in Georgia’s Diagnostic and Classification Prison, 25 years after his conviction and sentencing for shooting a convenience store clerk in the head…twice…and killing him. Cromartie had entered the store to steal beer. The defense said it was never proven that Cromartie was actually the killer (https://www.yahoo.com/news/death-row-inmate-executed-hours-133406760.html). Quoting from the article in The Independent: ‘Cromartie was scheduled to be executed on 30 October, but proceedings were halted because an appeal was still pending before Georgia’s Supreme Court. On 1 November, the state secured a new execution order, setting it for Wednesday.’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Which is worse, dying by lethal injection, or having to wait 25 years (!) for sentencing to be carried out?”

Biblical Response:  “Right…to answer that question, I’d have to know whether you were referring to the wait by the convict or the family of the victim. Doesn’t the Constitution promise swift justice? Yeah, the 6th Amendment does provide for a speedy trial but the U.S. Supreme Court has termed it ‘ambiguous’… ‘amorphous’… and ‘slippery.’ Whatever our Founders originally intended, I’m sure they would have been appalled at 25 years! Something more akin to Achan’s stoning (Josh. 7:1-26), but maybe not as quick as Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11 – they died in a matter of hours, not even days). Of course, the latter judgment was by God, and He already knows the truth of every situation (1 John 3:20).”

“Christians? We believe in complete justice, whether it’s swift or not (our estimation of time from a temporal perspective can be confused with an eternal – God’s – perspective).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to be in favor of truth (John 8:32)….and help us discover it sooner rather than eventually; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link:subdeo.com.’ 

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CLARITY – 8-14-19 Justice is Inevitable

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -8-14-19

Justice is Inevitable

What’s Happening: “Some are complaining of justice denied, because of the apparent suicide (by gunfire) of Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18, the two teens that were the subjects of a huge manhunt in Canada and suspected of three murders a few weeks ago. They were themselves considered missing, until their bodies were discovered  a few days ago amidst dense brush five miles from their burnt-out car. The medical examiner just released Monday that they were killed by self-inflicted gun-shot wounds (by the same guns that committed the murders?) (https://www.yahoo.com/news/canadian-fugitives-suspected-three-murders-223905624.html0. Officials said two firearms were found with the teens. ‘The two died in what appears to be suicides by gunfire,’ police said.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I guess this is one case where the Royal Canadian Mounted Police didn’t ‘get their man.’”

Biblical Response:  “That may be true, but that does not mean that ultimate justice won’t be served in the cases of McLeod and Schmegelsky. They may not stand trial for the three murders before a Canadian judge, but they will stand trial – and for five murders (their own lives were not theirs to take, either – Jn. 5:26). And only the Eternal Judge of All Men knows their hearts (Ps. 44:21; Acts 15:8; 1 John 3:20)…so only He can decide their fate. This reality may be the only comfort those left behind (the families and friends of the deceased) have…if they are believers.” 

“Christians? We believe in ultimate justice; that there is a Judge who knows the truth of all matters. It’s not that we all don’t fall miserably short (Rom. 3:23), but, thankfully, there is Someone who took the punishment we deserved (Rom. 6:23). As far as suicides are concerned, some of them are repentable – you have the time it takes for your body to fall from the bridge to the water to repent – others are more immediate. Where is the Good News in all this? Indeed, justice makes hell necessary, mercy makes heaven possible.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to trust in inevitable and ultimate justice…and in the gracious provision of mercy through Your Son; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link:subdeo.com.’ 

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CLARITY – 7-10-19 Guilt by Association

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -7-10-19

Guilt by Association

What’s Happening: “The brouhaha over Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta’s having negotiated the plea deal of Jeffrey Epstein, a sex trafficker prosecuted by Acosta’s office when he was a Miami prosecutor a decade ago, may end up in Acosta’s resignation…at least if Democrats have their way. New evidence and witnesses may have the case up for re-litigation and Secretary Acosta is all for Epstein getting the justice he deserves (https://www.yahoo.com/news/calls-alex-acosta-resignation-jeffrey-epstein-plea-deal-160711696.html.  ‘“The crimes committed by Epstein are horrific, and I am pleased that NY prosecutors are moving forward with a case based on new evidence. With the evidence available more than a decade ago, federal prosecutors insisted that Epstein go to jail, register as a sex offender and put the world on notice that he was a sexual predator. Now that new evidence and additional testimony is available, the NY prosecution offers an important opportunity to more fully bring him to justice,’ Acosta wrote on Twitter.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Should he resign?”

Biblical Response:  “It depends on to whom you talk. Those who appreciate the job he’s doing as Labor Secretary, and their are Dems and Republicans in this camp, say he should stay. Those who are against everything Trump. say he should go. It remains to be seen who will prevail. As far as guilt by association, that was done  away biblically thousands of years ago (Deut. 24:16). Each should only bear the consequences of his own sin. Of course, it’s a good thing that Jesus’ blood was shed for all our sins!”

“Christians? Oh, we believe in individual accountability. We also believe that our sin will eventually make its way to the surface (Matt. 4:22).. As the old saying goes: you can run, but you can’t hide.” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to hold accountable those who do wrong and ONLY those who do wrong; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link:subdeo.com.’ 

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CLARITY – 4-20-19 Certainties

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 4-20-19

Certainties

What’s Happening: “It’s 24 years later for most of us, but for the families of those killed (168) or injured (680), it was like yesterday when Timothy McVeigh and co-conspirator Terry Nichols blew up the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Before 9/11 happened, it was the deadliest terror attack in the U.S. (albeit domestic terrorism). Memorials were only local (https://www.reddit.com/r/Thunder/comments/bf0k35/alfred_p_murrah_bombing_memorial_remembrance/). Posted by u/homefree122, ‘I woke up and watched the local news hour, and of course it was covering the bombing memorial. But, sadly, when the national news came on, not a word was said about the Murrah Bombing.’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “What a tragedy! Those folks were just going about their business!”

Biblical Response:  “I weep, too (Rom. 12:15). However, like I’ve said before, all tragedy is local. Sure, it makes a big contemporary splash, but those national ripples are pretty small when diminished by time.  The tragedies in Parkland, Columbine, Sandy Hook , the World Trade Center, terrorist activities the world over,.etc., were peopled by folks just ‘going about their business’, too. The uncertainties of life find most of us seeking the certainty of justice…and always feeling cheated, However, heaven and hell are probably the certainties we seek…whether we know it or not.”

“Christians? We believe, also as I’ve said before, justice makes hell necessary, mercy makes heaven possible. We look at this life and agree that there are two inevitable certainties: death and taxes, but beyond this life (the length of which pales by comparison) are certainties that are eternal realities: heaven and hell (ps. 139:8).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, may we take comfort from this truth, not fear; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 3-6-19 Justice and Mercy

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 3-6-19

Justice and Mercy

What’s Happening: “The fact that California’s Attorney General, Xavier Becerra decided yesterday to not file charges in the death of Stephon Clark by two police officers responding to a vandalism call, has his children and fiance’ mortified and grief-stricken in their reaction (https://www.yahoo.com/news/stephon-clark-case-ends-no-020842812.html).  The link is obviously written by someone (Stephon Clark’s/his fiance’s attorney) who is seeking justice and feels that it is not going to happen.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Justice will never be served in this situation! A cell phone? Really?!”

Biblical Response:  “Perhaps…justice – like beauty – is usually in the eyes of the beholder. The fellow officers and their families probably feel they have received justice – at long last. Not to say they are not grieving for Stephon’s kids or fiance’. I was not there…and I’m sure those who gave their accounts did their best to be accurate…and only the shooting officers themselves know what really went on. I guess the aggrieved will have to settle for ultimate justice. They can be comforted with the knowledge that THE Judge is never wrong (1 Pet. 2:23).”

“Christians? We should weep with the fiance’, her kids, AND the families of the two shooting officers (Rom. 12:15). Everyone wants mercy for themselves, and justice for everybody else. That’s why there are laws and a court system…and ultimate justice and mercy can only be meted out by Someone Who ‘declares the end from the beginning’ (Is. 46:10)…”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us Stephon’s kids and fiance’ rely on Your ultimate decision…and be comforted till then; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 12-26-18 Turnips and Justice

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 12-26-18

Turnips and Justice

What’s Happening: “In a Federal District Court in D.C., Chief Judge Beryl Howell has ordered The Republic of North Korea to pay the Otto Warmbier family $500 Million …which will probably never be collected. Not only is there the ‘turnip rule (‘you can’t get blood out of a turnip’ – RONK does not have that kind of money, if they did, it might cause the poor to die if it was paid in lieu of feeding their people). The family said they are only seeking justice for Otto’s undeserved death, As far as justice is concerned, how do you value a human life? (https://www.yahoo.com/news/family-otto-warmbier-awarded-500-185758100.html). ‘It’s another government and one that doesn’t cooperate much with the United States. The question is how to find assets that are probably in the United States that the parents could secure,’ University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias said.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “They’ll never see a penny!”

Biblical Response:  “Probably not. Still, that might not be their point…though the attorney’s would probably like to get paid. The family just wants justice. This probably only the initial step.

“Christians? We believe in justice…ULTIMATE JUSTICE. The actions of the North Korean penal system is why hell is hot (it IS described as the “lake of fire” – Rev. 20:15). Like I’ve said before, justice makes hell necessary, mercy makes heaven possible.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, comfort the Warmbier family – and others similarly suffering. We trust in Your ultimate Justice; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 11-29-18 The Cure

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 11-29-18

The Cure

 

What’s Happening: “You could probably have titled today’s blog: “You’re Fired,” but President Trump had little to do with the impeachment Wednesday of three (of the five) West Virginia Supreme Court Justices (actually, additionally Justice Menis Ketchum retired and agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud and the remaining Justice will probably be impeached, too). This is the cure West Virginia’s Founders (and America’s too) created for “lifetime” appointments (https://leadpatriot.com/three-members-of-wv-supreme-court-impeached-in-one-day-then-comes-number-four/347/). Allow me to highly recommend a book: Impeachment: Restraining an Overactive Judiciary, by historian and political activist/Christian, and my friend, David Barton (https://wallbuilders.com/summer-1997/).”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “They’re all Democrats and the legislature is predominantly Republican…isn’t that fishy?”

 

Biblical Response:  “Yeah, but those same legislators were elected by a majority, too. That’s the way our system works. Winston Churchill may have been quoting Richard M. Langworth when he famously quipped: “Democracy is the worst form of government…except for all the others.” There might be a higher standard for our judges, but there should be. When you appoint (some states vote) a judge, you are setting up a man or woman to decide the fates of those that come before them. That’s an awesome power and responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

 

“Christians? Probably the most quoted verse comes from Matthew 7:1: “Judge not…” The problem is that almost nobody quotes that verse in context. The rest of the verse is: “…that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” (Matt. 7:1-2 KJV) We are called to judge angels (1 Cor. 6:3)…of course nobody wants to live the kind of life that qualifies them to be anybody’s judge.” Of course, what qualifies anyone is Christ’s sacrifice.”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to live a life above reproach, not to just settle for the world’s standards;  in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

 

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CLARITY – 9-6-18 Paid Protesters

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-6-18

Paid Protesters

 

What’s Happening:  “Three separate doctors from Texas, in line to get into the Kavanaugh hearings by the Senate’s Judiciary Committee, witnessed money  changing hands and said so on their websites…from the beginning of the hearing, interrupting protesters have had to be arrested (https://www.westernjournal.com/ct/protesters-paid-say-3-doctors/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=newsletter-CT&utm_campaign=dailypm&utm_content=conservative-tribune). ‘Hey everybody, I’m Dr. Chris Dundas from Corpus Christi, Texas, and we’re up here for these hearings. I gotta tell you, it is very sad. This is a very time-honored procedure and a process, and these young people (mostly young people, some old people), they seem to have no heartfelt convictions why they are here. If you have to pay somebody to protest, that’s a pretty good tell…’”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Don’t the protesters have freedom of speech?”

 

Biblical Response:  “Yes…and I guess they have the right to be paid…of course, there are decorum issues, as well. I guess that’s why they were arrested by Capitol Police. It’s kind of sad how this process has devolved. Give the obstructionists the Congress in the midterms and all this will go away…I think I can put up with the noise…it’s a cheap price for progress.”

 

“Christians? Money has historically been the price for betrayal (Matt. 26:15). They say ‘follow the money’…of course, we know where it will lead. We must be better than that.”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to find the balance our Framers wrote into the Constitution and heed the challenge (Sen. Ben Sasse) for everyone to do their job; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent