Seeking God's Justice in the Face of Abject Horror

It began three weeks ago, with a small story in the sports section about a burgeoning scandal taking place on the campus of Penn State University. Jerry Sandusky, a former assistant football coach to Joe Paterno, being indicted by a grand jury on 40 counts of sex crimes against young boys. The story grew bigger and bigger and began involving more and more people. The shocking news came out that Penn State officials, and perhaps even college football officials around the country, knew of Sandusky's penchant for young boys. Personally, I was flabbergasted by the news. So many emotions came out as a result of this story... shock at the cover-up, horror at the details of the acts, great sadness at the stunning amount of children's lost innocence, and disgust toward those who attempted to justify the decision to look away when confronted with the horrible crimes.

Then, a similar story came out of Syracuse University. Assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine was accused by former ballboy Bobby Davis of a track record of molestation that occurred over a staggering amount of years. I confess, when confronted with the facts of this case, that it seemed to me the accuser was lying, looking for publicity in the wake of the Penn State scandal. Davis had gone to ESPN 8 years ago with the story, but could not provide any corroboration, nor could ESPN find any through a lengthy period of invesitgation. Then, 8 years later, he brings forth that corroboration in the form of his step brother who says Fine molested him as well. I'm thinking, "yeah, right." Everything added up to this being a horrible publicity stunt aimed at destroying the career of Fine. Then, I read this article. What a stunning piece of damning evidence. Fine was fired today as more victims continue to come forward claiming abuse.

Honestly, I don't know what to say. This is a whole new level of horror. It's easy for us to see evil in the acts Fine and Sandusky are accused of. However, what could the response possibly be to those who knew about this and looked the other way? Where is the justice for the children? And how could this happen to so many and for so long?

As Christ followers, it is important that we seek God's justice in cases like these. What could that possibly be, however? Do we seek the punishment of all involved? Do we demand that the evildoers be given the ultimate punishment for these horrible offenses? Or, do we concentrate not on those who have done wrong, but on those who have suffered? Do we seek the restoration and redemption of their lives?

Personally, I totally understand the first response. I am so angry that these acts could have happened and be tolerated by grown adults for so long. I struggle with those feelings of anger, though, feeling that God's justice may look a little different than man's. I think God's justice seeks to right the wrongs that have occurred, not by punishing the offenders persay, but redeeming the offended. That is the outcome we seek!

He is making all things new! As we live in this advent season of anticipation, I anticipate the restoration of fallen man. I anticipate the overflowing compassion of God on those whose lives have been forever altered by evil men. And I seek the coming of a Messiah who can deliver on those promises. I do not understand why things like this happen, but I do sit and earnestly await the coming Kingdom of God where stories such as this have no mention. I wait for my King to come and ascend upon his throne, understanding that his throne looks a lot different than we think it might. This is the response I feel convicted to have in light of these stories. A response born not out of vengenace, but of hope. Hope that the sun will arise upon these frosted plains and bring new light and life to those who have fallen. 

Lord, may that Kingdom come... and may it come soon. Amen.