Fear, Freedom and Reconciliation

God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.  

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (The Message)

Visiting Robben Island is not just a lesson in history but a reflection of who we are!  There were three categories of prisoners; criminals, lepers and political prisoners.   The common element shared by all categories is fear.   The lesson we learned was the struggle for freedom from a former prisoner.   He was age 20 when he was imprisoned for being a member of the ANC.   He is now 49!   His work is telling the story of Robben Island as part of the larger story of reconciliation.  

That same day we attended a outdoor concert.  The group “Freshlyground” appeals to all ages looking not to the past, but to the future.   It is not unlike what we have seen in other parts of Africa and in the U.S.   What or who will continue the “healing”?   Will it be within and through the arts, economic policies, altruism or some religious response?   

For me, the answer is found in the reconciliation model that we see in the life and ministry of Christ.  It may find expression in the hopes and dreams of the youth, in the words of the music or art, but it’s Source is what gives me Hope!

Marvin

in Capetown, SA

Reference: The End of Words: The Language of Reconciliation in a Culture of Violence by Richard Lischer is a wonderful statement of the message of reconciliation.