This week we read in the news of a British national who when stopped in Saudi Arabia, was found to have wine in the boot of his car and for such misdemeanour he was incarcerated for one year, sentenced to be punished with 350 lashes. This 74-year-old British man caught the attention of the British public and they lobbied the British Government to intervene into what was seen as a barbaric, excessive and unnecessary punishment unfitting for his crime.
While this intervention was reported to have strained British – Saudi relations the government decided to reprieve Karl Andree, releasing him from incarceration without administering the punishment of the Saudi court.
It can be reflectively interpreted as grace and law. Insofar as the law demands punishment, grace demands mercy.
During this same week; it was also reported that Shaker Aamer was released from Guantanamo Bay. The Briton returned to the UK after 13 years in US detention camp. Aamer had never been charged with any offences and has consistently maintained his innocence.
In scriptures we read in Daniel 3 of three Hebrew boys Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who refused to give worship to the King Nebuchadnezzar. They defied the laws of that land and as a result were punished for non-compliance and were thrown into the fiery furnace. Our are daily existence is confronted by our shortcomings and in need of God’s Grace to which Elie Wiessel writes, “For me, every hour is grace.”
With the constant changes to both EU and British law, let us not be surprised if legislation is introduced conflicting with our morals, values and belief. It is high time to begin to reflect on what our responses will be when faced with such challenges. Remember Daniel’s God surely will deliver!