A True Messiah

The death early last month of Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected President of South Africa, and one of the icons of the twentieth century, was perhaps the most widely reported event of the whole of 2013.  Even in the UK, thousands of miles away, hour after hour of television and radio time were given over to coverage of his death, state memorial service and burial.  Many people here, though they might have had no connection with South Africa, and had never seen Mandela, let alone known him, seemed to share in what seemed like a worldwide sense of loss.  It was interesting to compare the reaction to his death with that of Margaret Thatcher earlier in the year.

         Watching the coverage as a Christian believer greatly interested me, particularly in the way that he was pictured almost as some sort of Messianic figure who had led the country out of the dark ages of apartheid into the light of a fully-fledged democracy.  Though one would have to recognise that the impact of Mandela’s life was truly remarkable, it would have been good for somebody to point out some of the other facts: that Mandela never renounced violence, or as far as we know, repented of the deaths of many, Christian missionaries included, for which as head of the ANC he was responsible.  The gap between the rich and poor in South Africa is greater now than ever.  We remember present day missionaries visiting us who spoke of the dangers of life there.  Perhaps it will be many years before his impact can be truly measured.

         What was, perhaps, even more interesting was the way in which he was set up as a great example of forgiveness.  Much was made of the way in which he had shown great kindness towards those who had been his captors on Robben Island, insisting they have the best seats at his inauguration as President, never forgetting their children’s birthdays etc.  We saw again, as we have when victims of IRA terrorism have been interviewed, how human beings are fascinated by forgiveness and envious of those who find it within themselves to act in such a way.

         Which brings us surely to Jesus!  He is the true Messiah, and the greatest example of forgiveness.  His ‘long walk’ was to a cross, rather than to freedom. Even as he hung there, numbered with terrorists but innocent of every charge laid against him, he prayed for his executioners and their forgiveness.  The kingdom that He brought in is an everlasting one, marked by universal peace and freedom.  The life of Jesus Christ not only means that you and I can have a better life here and now, but an eternity in heaven.

         Though many were happy to state that Mandela was now in heaven, making such statements is wrong, though I hope that he is.  The way to heaven for Mandela was the same as it is for you and me.  We must trust in the Lord Jesus Christ with all our heart.  Only by his perfect sacrifice being applied to our sin laden hearts can any of us be saved.  Is that true of you?