Cries for Justice

Around the world, we know that Christians are facing opposition and persecution for their faith. Many face acts of violence against them, others find themselves being arrested and imprisoned, maybe even losing their lives at the hands of government officials and religious extremists.  The Bible provides this reminder in 1st Peter 4 (ESV):
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

Christians in Pakistan have faced those fiery trials - from living under stringent blasphemy laws to threats from Islamic extremists.  But, there's a group of Christians that has decided to cry out to authorities for justice after an attack just over 2 years ago.  The Christian Post reported:

In a rare show of Christian solidarity in Pakistan, victims of August 2023 Islamist attacks on Christians ended an unprecedented 17-day sit-in on Tuesday, after government assurances of justice.

Addressing the demonstrators, the convener of the Victims Committee of Jaranwala, Lala Robin Daniel, said the sit-in marked the first time in Pakistan’s history that Christians had staged such an extended protest for their rights.

I think it bears noting that this group of Christians did not try to meet violence with violence - that is certainly not the way of Christ - but they came before authorities asking for justice, which I believe is an appropriate response.  Daniel said: “Christians have suffered over 13 mob attacks on their neighborhoods over the years, but never before have they raised their voices for justice,” adding, “It is for the first time in this country’s history that within a radius of 10 kilometers, protests were held not only in streets but also in graveyards and churches.”

The article also notes: "The sit-in was also the first time that Christians, especially women, participated in the protests while fasting, leaving behind daily chores to ensure their voices were heard, he said. Daniel said the Christians of Jaranwala were forced to protest because their pleas for justice and compensation for losses had fallen on deaf ears."

Representatives of the victims have met with high-ranking officials, who have promised legal assistance and even financial compensation, but the results have not been forthcoming.  And, the judicial system has certainly failed these stalwart believers.  The Post story related:

None of the perpetrators have been convicted after they ransacked and damaged more than 25 church buildings and 85 homes of Christians in Jaranwala Tehsil of Faisalabad District, on Aug. 16, 2023. The frenzied mob of thousands of Muslims attacked after two Christian brothers were accused of writing blasphemous content and desecrating a copy of the Quran.

The attack drew nationwide condemnation, and more than 300 Muslims were arrested for the riots; most were either bailed out or discharged due to a failed police investigation. On June 4, an anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad acquitted 10 named suspects involved in burning a church building and ransacking a Christian’s home during the violence.

Those two Christians who allegedly blasphemed Islam were acquitted of the charges against them.  So, in their cases, the system worked - yet, hundreds of people who participated in the attacks have yet to be brought to justice.

This is life for residents of Pakistan - as the article stated, these blasphemy laws, which carry a potential death sentence, even though none has been carried out, can incite mobs of people to violence.

It can be very easy to become hateful and bitter when we feel like we are wronged.  But, Romans 12 says that vengeance belongs to the Lord.  This example from Pakistan can remind us to first and foremost, cry out to the Lord, and it is certainly appropriate to cry out to authorities for justice.

Each of us may face harassment for our faith - in fact, Jesus said we would have tribulation and even persecution in this world.  He taught His disciples to have joy in the face of trials, and that attitude can certainly sustain us.  The bitter heart cannot experience the presence of Almighty God.  When we walk in His presence, we can experience what God can do, even when things become difficult.