I was in court yesterday. There was a group of people there who had broken the law and were to report their plea of guilty or not guilty, or to receive sentencing or an extension. Each one had their own story. One couldn't make car payments so he set fire to his car to collect insurance to pay off his car. One stole a bag of items from Menards worth under $100. There was a child molester. There was an alcoholic who was caught again for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The experience only gave me a small view of the justice system, but it certainly got my thoughts going.
Of course, I thought about their souls...and their childhood. I wondered about the pain in their lives...and even about the repeated resistance to their consciences. Wishing I could step into each of their lives and try to offer Christ. Aware though, of how inadequate any of my own efforts could be. Thankful that in our county, the jails are overwhelmed with offers from churches to come in and do chapel services. That gave me hope.
I noticed how kind and respectful the judge was to each of the men and women. Calling them, "Mr. ___, or Miss ___" He was gentle and would smile. He would make sure they understood.
I also noticed that there weren't any 'political prisoners' there or people accused of evangelizing for Christ. Everyone there had broken a very reasonable law, and many even were willing to admit it.
I contrast this to our friend, Narendra, in India who has been jailed for maybe 8 months now on false charges. When he has gone in for trial, the judge might be sick or at a wedding. Or the attorney may be out of town. This makes me thankful for the good in our system.
There are things that are disturbing. Like how long we had to wait to get this trial completed...several years. It is interesting to know that 8 years is the maximum for the abuse of a child. Abuse of a child affects the child emotionally for life and is an intentional act. Other things, which are unintentional, can get even more devastating consequences. Like last year when I was interviewed for jury duty, a couple was suing a lady who had inadvertently caused an accident with them. They were suing for millions above what the insurance company paid. I don't believe in suing, but if I would sue a child abuser for millions, would I be laughed away?
All this is a good reminder that this is an imperfect world. Our justice system may be better than most, but it is not perfect at all. God's justice system is perfect. At the end of the day, the RIGHT thing will be done. God knows what that is...and it will be done. Hallelujah! Our efforts at justice are imperfect and temporary.
