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THOSE IMPRISONED

by Morris Inch
09/15/16
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THOSE IMPRISONED

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"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering" (Heb. 13:3). Since we are bonded together in a common humanity, so that what one experiences should similarly effect others. Granted, this a rather exceptional way of looking at life—since we are not inclined to think in social terms

Initially, there is the problem of identifying those who are guilty of some crime. In this regard, I recall discussing the matter with a criminal investigator, who reported that even eye-witness accounts should not be uncritically accepted. Not simply that a person means to be deceptive, but fails to observe what happened, or imagines something occurring that was not the case. Consequently, he indicated that supposed evidence could be and many times is misinterpreted. By way of confirmation, we read from time to time of someone who is released after being convicted of a crime they did not commit. How tragic! In that they had been imprisoned improperly.

Apart from this, imprisonment as such puts us on the horns of a dilemma. On the one hand, our resources become increasingly strained. It being estimated that it requires $30,000 a year to keep a person imprisoned. So that to keep dangerous persons off the streets intensifies an already difficult situation. Moreover, not uncommonly persons are adversely influenced while in prison. On the other hand, the effort to secure early release often puts the general public at calculated risk. Thus advising restraint, even when well-meaning.

Largely absent from our current practice is the notion of restitution. For instance, "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep" (Exod. 22:1). Instead of rectifying what is wrong, we increase the burden on society by way of imprisonment.

Conversely, we might introduce community service as a constructive enterprise. At first, to compensate for the costs related to imprisonment. After which, to provide some more constructive alternative. For instance, as a means of helping to restore our highway system. It is supposed in doing so it will encourage prisoners to consider the needs of others, and be more available to meet these needs.

This recalls the Jewish dual virtues of industry and generosity. As for the former, "Go to the ant, you sluggard, consider its ways and be wise!" (Prov. 6:6). This recalls a time when as a child I stooped over an ant hill to observe its inhabitants scurrying around. Accordingly, I was impressed not only buy their industry but seeming cooperation.

As for the latter, Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were placed, and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich persons threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny" (Mark 12:41-42). Calling his disciples to him, Jesus observed: "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." Consequently, we are alerted to the fact that generosity consists not in how much one gives, but what remains having given.

As noted at the outset, the author of Hebrews enjoins his readers to bond themselves to together with those imprisoned. This is by way of contrast to the saying, "out of sight, out of mind." As such, it may be expressed in various ways, such as visiting those incarcerated. In this regard, I recall a pastor who made prison visitation a prime objective. When retired, he continued his ministry to those imprisoned. Consequently, he assured them neither God nor select individuals had forgotten them. In keeping with the sage saying, "A friend in need is a friend indeed."

In conclusion, we are reminded of the importance of creativity in managing the prison dilemma. This is in keeping with being made in God’s image, and for his glory. So that the lack of creativity suggests a compromise of our humanity. Furthermore, it is said that life consists to turning obstacles into opportunities.