Redemption
Image by “Noel”, a prison artist in the Oregon Dept. of Corrections. See, Prison Fellowship at https://www.prisonfellowship.org/2017/04/art-in-prison-prison-artist-christs-passion/.
Wildfires have ravaged the western United States this year [1]. Largely unheralded among those fighting the fires is a group of convicts.
The state of Oregon has a program in place which enlists the aid of willing prisoners to enlarge its firefighting force, in the process teaching them a trade [2A].
The aim of this program is to rehabilitate prisoners, many of whom are “adrenaline junkies”. The program provides such prisoners a meaningful outlet. Those who have committed homicide or sexual offenses are excluded from participation.
“This gives us a different opportunity, rather than going back to something that we already know, which is guns, gangs, violence and drugs.”
-Eddie Correia, serving 6 year term for assault [2B]
Like firefighters everywhere, these men risk their lives to protect the lives and property of their neighbors. Some are assigned to pick up trash, serve food, and provide other support services.
Few of us give much thought to the rehabilitation of prisoners, particularly with government funds limited. Scripture, however, makes clear that this is not God’s attitude. Redemption is not limited, even if government funds are.
God considers every soul worth saving.
“ ‘…I was in prison and you came to Me…Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’ ” (Matt. 25: 36, 40).
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[1] CNET, “Latest on wildfires in California, Oregon and West. Plus, how to help” by Jackson Ryan and Alan Mack, 9/17/20, https://www.cnet.com/how-to/updates-on-wildfires-ravaging-california-oregon-and-west-and-how-to-help/.
[2] ABC News (Reuters), “Oregon prison inmates find redemption, adrenaline in fighting fires”, 9/30/20, https://abcnews.go.com/US/oregon-prison-inmates-find-redemption-adrenaline-fighting-wildfires/story?id=73310741.
In what appeared an Islamic terrorist attack, a history teacher was beheaded this week in a Paris suburb for having discussed caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in class. Our hearts go out to the family of the victim.
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse https://avoicereclaimed.com
The NT Greek words for ‘redemption’ describe a fundamental aspect of God’s saving act in Jesus which is totally under-estimated and not fully appreciated these days. Your example of the prisoners giving back to society is such a powerful and practical illustration of this key Bible-theme. Thanks sincerely, Anna.
Thank you for sharing that information, Erroll. God bless you.
Wonderful post Anna.
I’m so glad you liked it, Nicodemas.
Blessings. 🙂
Yes, Anna, no sinner– no, not one– is excluded from the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. It is simply a matter of humbling ourselves and receiving it. “…God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them…” (2 Cor. 5:19).
Redemption is not limited, even if government funds are. – Amen!!
Glad that struck a chord w/ you. 🙂
A very good and important article here Anna, as it is quite important that human beings be looked at as human beings. Yes, criminals should not be permitted to act freely and punishment is valid, but human dignity cannot be stripped away from anyone, not even the guilty. God lets it rain on the good and on the evil and lets the sun shine and the just and the unjust, so who are we to become absolute judges? Usefulness is important to all, and these convicts risked their lives, just like the professional firefighters, so I think that in itself, is a very valuable lesson they have learned for the betterment of themselves and our society.
All the best Anna,
FBC
Thank you, Francisco. I greatly value your opinion on this issue, particularly in light of your law enforcement background. Blessings, Anna
You’re very welcome Anna, always a pleasure. Blessings,
FBC