In the day before the execution of Bali Nine members Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, there was a giant flower arrangement on Sydney Harbour with the three words ‘KEEP HOPE ALIVE.’
Yet within hours, news arrived that these men were not granted the mercy that was longed for.
The executed men knew they were guilty of their crimes, yet they cried out for the mercy of the Indonesian justice system.
As the firing squad performed their macabre task, hope seemed to die with those who were executed.
Yet, it was reported that Andrew Chan, and others killed that night, had a firm hope in Jesus Christ as Lord.
In the lead up to their execution, a pastor observed that it was “a time of joyful yet solemn worship as they prepared … for eternity with God’’.
According to media reports, another pastor noted that she had never seen people die who were so joyful, at peace and seeming excited to be meeting God. “They were ready to meet God and were looking forward to meeting Jesus,” the pastor said.
Even though hope of their earthly life was extinguished, their eternal hope was secure because of what Jesus had done for them.
Only Jesus can truly keep hope alive. Do you have that hope?