This photo is one of protesting legitimately outside a firm dealing
with the live export of animals. It’s easy to be judgmental towards
those responsible, and to lower ones self into uncouth behaviour and
foul language. But, as it was on this past occasion, Judi and I prayed
and led others in singing a couple of hymns relating to our human
responsibility to care and protect weaker life than our own. Yes, and
God abundantly blest that effort, as He has done, very many more. It’s
so easy to spew out venom towards those who abuse weak and more
vulnerable life than their own. So much appears so unjust and, totally
unfair in this life; and if it were the only one then such would
undoubtedly be the case. But such cannot be the case. Our own imperfect
and tainted sense of fair play reminds us that death is no more than a
breaking out from the womb, a casting off of one’s chrysalis, ir a
hatching out from a dark and exceedingly cramped shell. Indeed, such
experiences are sometimes quite painful, but what follows is dependent
upon what one has sown here and now. There is a Heaven to gain as well
as a Hell to shun, and what form these take we are not clearly told
about except that the bliss of one and the agony of the other is very
real indeed – yet all most just deserts to reap what one has sown!
And – to make out that a just God would never allow any form of life
to suffer in agony – is to evade reality all around us. Is not, indeed,
the existence of so much animal life a constant hell? And I not only
think of the most innocent cows horribly exploited by us, but I think of
those vile, subhuman forms of reptiles, insects and beetles who loath
and prey on each other almost every hour of their existence. I truly
cannot help but ask myself: what kind of life did they live to deserves
their present existence in Hell itself? Yet this does not give me to,
even, ignore their plight if I can make their existence a little bit
better. Their present judgment may well be from God, but I must show
them the Christian gospel in action by deeds speaking louder than words.
In brief: the sadistic animal abusers – and to a lesser extent those who
in varying degrees support them – are to have their future destinies
decided by a God of supreme justice; but I must also reflect His supreme
love as well. The ultimate objective of which is to ultimately reconcile
all forms of life for acceptance in to a far greater paradise than was
ever lost. (see e.g Collosians 1:20)
Go on to A Saintly Lay Preacher & His
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