On the evening of December 1981, a group of men entered the compound of the house of Premvati, in Sahupur village and fired, killing a 14-year-old girl and two boys aged ten and eight. Ten members of the Dalit community were killed that day. After 42 years, a 90-year-old villager was sentenced to life in prison on 31 May 2023, the other accused had died by the court in the town of Firozabad. (Times of India 3 June 2023) “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.” (Ecclesiastes 8:11)
No Fear of God: The perpetrators of violence, did not fear God. Instead, they thought they were special to God, and whatever they decide or do will be accepted and approved by God, including the killing of others.
No Fear of Government: The mindless violence is a violation of the law of God and the law of the land. They were sure that the government was toothless or could bribe the law-executing officials. As rulers were known or related to them, they would not care, if the poor and oppressed died.
No Fear of Consequences: The law declares that the murderer would be punished, and even a death sentence could be given. Were they not aware of the law? Can ignorance of the law be an excuse?
Arrogant: The perpetrators were arrogant and did not consider others as equals or humans. Hence, others do not have any rights, including the right to live. The demeaning attitude towards others made them commit such heinous crimes.
God loves justice: The Bible teaches that God loves justice. However, people, society, and nations have made justice as bitter as wormwood for the poor, oppressed, and exploited. They also cast down righteous people. (Amos 5:7)
Facilitators of justice: God calls His people to be facilitators and implementers of justice. “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” (Isaiah 1:17) Rescue the weak, needy from the wicked and give justice. (Psalms 82:3,4)
Am I a teacher of righteousness and facilitator of justice?