The Evil of Torture 

Jesus was betrayed by a friend, arrested, and condemned by His people. His own disciples ran away and denied Him as He was tortured by an oppressive government. Our Lord stands with all prisoners who are unjustly tortured and accused. 

From an Africa Study Bible application note: 

Abuse of political prisoners was common in Jesus’ day. When in Jerusalem, the Roman governor stayed in Herod’s old palace. The Roman regiment, composed mostly of Syrian recruits, was stationed near the Temple. They likely used a faded red soldier’s cape to imitate royal purple. The pretend ruler’s sceptre may have been a cane used for military floggings. The thorns in the crown were meant to point outward, imitating Hellenistic rulers’ crowns, but some undoubtedly tore Jesus’ scalp. Unknown to the soldiers, the prisoner they were abusing truly was Israel’s King, God’s Son.

Some places in Africa are among the world’s most likely areas to face torture to gather the desired confession. The legal burden to prove innocence often rests with the accused. Abuse of prisoners has become routine in many parts of Africa. Instead of “the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom” (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10), many in Francophone Africa could say, “Fear of the Gendarmes is the foundation of true wisdom.” Global strides for human rights have not eliminated the mistreatment of prisoners within the African continent. These evil practices will continue until hearts are changed. As followers of Jesus, are we speaking out against the use of torture and for the fair treatments of prisoners?

Today: 

Tune in to the radio today to listen to both local and international news. As you listen, tune your heart to news of torture or injustice. Pray that God would direct you on how you can get involved in the fight against torture, even in a small way. You might consider petitioning your government to protest, researching an organisation that helps victims of torture, or donating toward a relief fund.