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| Picture taken from the BBC News website |
In Bury, Lancashire, the funeral has taken place of Fusilier Lee Rigby.
This was not the funeral of another soldier killed in a foreign land whilst
serving his country. This was the result of a horrific attack upon the streets
of London, as the soldier returned to the barracks in Woolwich. The large crowd
around the church where the service took place is an indication of the sympathy
felt for the family, and the outrage at the people who could commit such an
atrocity.
For some there may be the genuine question about “religion” that motivates
people to kill. Whether it is so-called Muslims who murder Christians, or so-called
Christians who murder Muslims, there is nothing that can be used to justify
such actions. The Bible says, “Thou shalt not kill”. This was one of God’s
direct commandments. Many Christians
refused to take up arms in the Second World War because of their faith. But shouldn’t we rather be concerned that 551 homicides (including murder,
manslaughter, and infanticide) were reported in the year ending December 2012? Is
this particular case a reminder that we are beginning to think that life is
cheap?
The Bible reminds us of
God’s valuation on life. The words of Jesus Christ are clear: “What shall it
profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” You cannot put
a price on a life! Your life and your eternal destiny are of the utmost
importance. God gave His own Son to die on a Roman cross to provide your
salvation from sin. He was prepared to sacrifice all that He had for you – that
is the price he puts on your life and your soul! You are
infinitely precious to God. What is your response? Will you trust Him with your
life, or will you reject Him?
