Yesterday I read about a man who was pardoned after serving 35 years in prison, as an innocent man. DNA evidence proved that the gentleman could not have been the guilty party. Unfortunately, DNA testing wasn't available at the time of his trial. It seems that the actual evidence came down to one person's guess and the victim's error with identification. As a result, there was a grievous crime followed by a grievous error followed by 35 years of "lost life". But the amazing thing is that the man, himself, was not bitter. Despite living in prison from age 19 until age 54...despite loss of all of his opportunity for family, career and every way the world would define fulfillment...but rather than filled with anger he was buoyant in outlook. He said that despite losing years of life he had found eternity because he had discovered the reality of God on the personal level. He endured 3 1/2 decades of wrong treatment but now is looking forward to the rest of "forever". It struck me that he had gone to prison to be set free.
Romans 6:22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
blessings,
Rob Smith
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