The articles I read this morning make it sound like the victims of the kidnapping in Haiti are doing okay, but I’m not sure if that information is verified or just wishful thinking.
The ransom price is set and negotiations are in the works. One news article had a quote from a U.S. official saying that we don’t pay ransoms, indicating that they would get the missionaries out by force if necessary. Another article said that the FBI was working with the Haitian government but can’t reveal what’s going on with that. So, we wait and we pray.
It made me think of how Jesus paid our ransom with His blood. There were no negotiations, only a last-minute prayer: And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39 ESV)
Jesus’ perfect sacrifice on the cross released us from eternal death.
Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
Hebrews 9:12-15 NKJV
I pray that something is done to successfully bring these missionaries home. I also pray that part of their ransom includes planting seeds in the hearts and minds of their captors, that God will be glorified by this event. …“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26b NKJV).
Please join me in praying every hour at ten till the hour for the victims of kidnapping. Pray for the speedy and safe release of the 17 missionaries in Haiti. Pray for the speedy and safe release of all kidnapped victims in Haiti. Pray for an end to these kidnappings, an end to the gang takeovers and violence in that country. Pray that the citizens of Haiti no longer need to live in constant fear. Pray for all kidnapped victims globally. Those who are imprisoned and those who have been released but still suffer from the experience. Pray for God to give wisdom to those in charge. Pray for peace.
