FARC Hostages Escape

Their crisis is over but their memories remain fresh. The 15 hostages recently freed from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) through an amazing rescue effort have given a glimpse into life on the run in the brutal jungles of Colombia.

The 5 ½-year long nightmare was filled with harsh treatment like being chained around their necks like dogs and forced at gunpoint to march while carrying heavy backpacks. In describing FARC’s activities, they witnessed poor, illiterate children who were forcibly recruited and then threatened with death if they tried to leave. Others saw babies denied medical care.

The militant terrorist group funds itself through drug trafficking and kidnapping. The FARC was established in the 1960s as the military wing of the Colombian Communist Party and originated as a guerrilla movement. The Colombian government estimates FARC, now the oldest insurgent group in the Americas, has 6,000-8,000 members, while others believe the numbers could reach as high as 18,000 guerrillas.

Often the level of cruelty inflicted by man on his fellow men defies description or logic – unless biblical truth is sought out for an explanation. To understand the evil acts of men requires ‘considering the source’ - something Jesus spoke to in John chapter 8. After confronting the typically critical and hypocritical Pharisees, he finally addressed their main problem beginning in verse 44. “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” Then Peter shares in his first epistle the basic goal of the ultimate spiritual terrorist. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

A quick glance in any direction quickly reveals that the devil is highly proficient at what he does. His captives litter the planet’s landscape and his schemes wreak havoc world-wide. (2 Corinthians 11:14, 1 Timothy 2:26) And his plans also have the potential to affect believers and stand in the way of productive ministry, as Paul spoke of in 1 Thessalonians 2:18. “Therefore we wanted to come to you — even I, Paul, time and again — but Satan hindered us.”

The terror and tactics of God’s adversary are clear and potent. But they remain no match for God’s Son. His response to the evil one is clear and direct. “He who sins is of the devil , for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8) Christ's success is also without question. “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Being taken captive by a terrorist group is an experience thankfully that few will ever know. But being kidnapped and bound by God’s enemy is something all are literally born into. (Psalm 51:5) But the one and only rescue from that eternal fate will be known only by those whose release comes through God’s great grace and faith in is His Son, Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8)

Bill Breckenridge