A gang of five were close friends. They used to steal electric transformers, dismantle them, and sell them off. They were making good money out of this wicked business. When they tried to steal one day, one of them was electrocuted and was in critical condition. The other four neither gave medical attention nor took him to the hospital. The four gang members were afraid that they would be caught and punished. They conspired against the critical friend. Binding his legs and hands, they took him and threw him into a river and the man drowned and died. (NDTV 3 November 2024) This crime came to light when the relatives of the dead man gave a complaint to the police.
Ten Commandments: God gave the Ten Commandments to the whole of humanity. They are God’s standards, requirements, and expectations for humans. Sadly, the commandments were neither obeyed by the Nation of Israel nor taught to other nations of the world. When any person, family, community, or nation does not know God’s laws, they will plunge into anarchy and darkness. The gang violated the commandment forbidding stealing and murder. (Exodus 20:13; 15) When these commandments are not repeatedly taught in public places, media, schools, colleges, and churches, there will be a multiplication of sins in this world.
Escape: Sadly, the planning of theft went wrong. One of them was electrocuted. He was alive, but not dead. For others, their escape was more important than the life of their friend and colleague. Even if they escape, leaving the man alive is dangerous as he would reveal the names of the gang members and confess all their crimes. Hence, they had to deal with the injured man shrewdly.
Concern: Though they were friends and colleagues, they did not have an attitude of love towards each other. They did not trust each other. Their unity was just for doing a wicked job of robbing. As they stole public property, they stole another person’s life.
Humanitarian help: Good Samaritan helped a dying man; this gang killed the dying man.
Do I keep the Ten Commandments and serve others?