How Far is Too Far?

This news article was written by Paola Messana:

“Thousands of people who lost their life savings in a multi-billion dollar scam will discover on Monday the fate of Wall Street swindler Bernard Madoff, who at 71 could face a 150-year jail term. Among his victims were Hollywood celebrities, international movers and shakers, some of the world's most famous banks and even Jewish charities, many of which were forced to close after Madoff's scheme evaporated in a puff of smoke. But many of his investors were also ordinary, elderly retirees who thought their life savings were in safe hands, and now face financial ruin. The sums were shockingly large -- bigger than the gross domestic product of countries such as Luxembourg, and more than the external debt of several poor African nations.

On Monday, several selected victims will be allowed to address judge Denny Chin and say what they believe Madoff's fate should be. Earlier this month some 113 victims flooded Chin with letters and emails and almost all in no uncertain terms called for a life prison term, with some going even further. "Please make sure the facility in which he rots is extremely uncomfortable," wrote Jesse Cohen, a businessman from New Jersey, who lost all his savings. Summarizing the views of many, Ron Weinstein, 62, wrote: "This scum should never again see the light of day."

From: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090625/ts_alt_afp/usfraudfinancemadoff

These are very natural reactions to what we consider grave offenses.

What do we consider grave offenses?

Which is worse, murder or genocide? Gossip or slander? Theft or deceit? Adultery or blasphemy? Where does child-abuse or neglect rank with these?

We often like ranking offenses because as long as we can rank them, we can list how we are better than others.

“Sure I embellish my taxable donations, but I’ve never hit my spouse.”

“I may gossip a little, but unlike most people I know, I never go more than five mph over the speed limit.”

Feels good doesn’t it?

As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” (Romans 3:10-12)

We’re all screwed up.

What is amazing is that regardless of our screw-ups, God still loves us. This is vividly revealed in the story of Zacchaeus found in the gospel of Luke 19:1-10.

To give an idea on how well tax-collectors were thought of in first century Palestine, I’m substituting Bernie Madoff’s name for Zacchaeus.

“Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Bernie. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Bernie and called him by name. “Bernie!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

Bernie quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.

Meanwhile, Bernie stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

How far will God let someone go before He turns His back on them?

Where do we stand with our own lists?

Redemption is the process of God taking our “junk” and turning our lives into what they were really meant to be. What would it take for you to be able to hear God call your name and accept His invitation for redemption?