CBS reports that the Taliban militants have promised to release the remaining Korean hostages within three days. While we rejoice that they are okay and safe, and families and church will welcome them back in a sense of relief and thanksgiving, the glaring question remains- How can the Afghans ever hear the Good News of a loving God if they keep scaring away well-meaning mission gestures? As I understand the situation, two months ago some 20 Korean Christians went into Taliban territory reportedly to help in some relief work. Now we know what is the reason for doing relief work among missionaries. Suffice to say it is to share the Good News. I mean there is the Great Commission. The above photo, taken before the trip, was one of "We're on a mission to share the joy of the Good News". But we know that Taliban militants have their version of the good news - Hostage = Exchange (fellow militants+kind). Their theology of religious mission may not always be shared by all Muslims, but this much is clear to them, salvation and redemption of the brethren takes priority over the lives of infidels. Hostage-taking and exchange for your brethren is therefore noble. Theologically sound? Take this thought to the New Testament - Jesus Christ tells his disciples to love their enemies, do good to those who hate you. The Good Samaritan in Luke's gospel was even willing to help a Jew who was probably attacked by his own people and shunned by his religious leaders. I believe when the Korean Christians left the comfort of their homes and church family to venture into dangerous Afghan territory, they were carrying out this message of love. Depending on their faith, each of the hostages would respond differently under such severe duress. Nevertheless, the spirit of Christian love and message is conveyed. You come to me with harmful intentions in the name of God. I, in the same name of God come to you to say that He loves you even though you riddle me with bullets and take my life, and wrest me away from my wife, my children, and friends. How can hurting and killing people to get your way ever honor and please a loving God. I know gangsters kill in the name of their god, but it was for their own interests. By continuing to murder and pose aggression to well-meaning missions, the Taliban militants, and Afghans for the matter are just depriving themselves of the truly good news that God is really a loving God who has sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to die them, that they may have the same Spirit as God - that of love. We pray that the Taliban hearts can soften at the respond shown by their captives, and that a breakthrough be made for real salvation of souls there, not just exchange of hostages. TPII GraceHaven.
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