“Canada does not and will not pay ransom to terrorist, directly or indirectly.” Those were the words of Prime Minister Trudeau after Canadian John Ridsdel was murdered in the Philippines this week. Ridsdel was kidnapped in September and the Islamic terrorist group Abu Sayyaf demanded a ransom for his safe release, a ransom the Canadian Government refused to pay. And while I sympathize with John Ridsdel’s family I agree with the stand of our PM. If we start paying ransoms, then Canadians around the world will be placed in danger as Canada becomes seen as an ATM for cash strapped terror organizations.
The Bible tells us that every one of us has had a ransom paid for us. Because of our sinful behaviour a price had to be paid and that price, a ransom so to speak, was paid by God himself.
Peter tells us in his first letter that it was not a ransom paid with gold or silver but paid with the blood of Jesus. And while I agree with the stand of our Government, I am thankful that God loved us so much that He made the ultimate sacrifice for us, even when we didn’t deserve it, and all we have to do is accept it. Have a great week and remember: To see what is really possible, you will have to attempt the impossible.