"Kaiyo's heart was pounding as he slipped away from his wife, Wumi, and ascended the stairpole into his home. Hahaen had failed! Sinau had failed! Both Mahaen and Sinau had many children, yet neither could bring himself to give even one. Kaiyo had only one child, six-month-old Biakadon-Lying there on the grass mat." (Peace Child, pg. 167)
This passage strikes me as familiar. God had only one Son, and He gave Him up to save us. Here, Kaiyo had only one child, and he gave him up to end the war. I think that if anyone were to understand best what God did, it would be Kaiyo. What also strikes me is that two other men couldn't give up even one of their MANY children. Yet here's one man, giving up his only child. I think this is a definite show of commitment and strength. Kaiyo was committed to end this war, and he was rewarded for it. I don't think that if the other two men had given their child, they would have received a child in return. But, because Kaiyo was giving up his only child, he got one in return.
Wow, nice observation, Calvin! I am surprised that I passed by this passage without sensing something familiar. See, the very interesting thing I find about this passage is that the Sawi already had some sort of peace system similar to God's even before Christianity was introduced to them. Could it be that God was already working goodness in their lives; it was just that they couldn't see Him because He was working behind the scenes? I believe so...God must have really meant it when He declared his unconditional love for ALL the world and ALL his people. This leaves me reassured and comforted ^^. Thank you for pointing out this passage!
ReplyDeleteThis is really an interesting passage Calvin. Yes, it does seem like Kaiyo is a man of great strength since he gave up his one and only child so that his tribe could be saved. But I believe that even though this would have grieved Kaiyo it would be nothing compared to the pain God felt when he gave his son up. Kaiyo could give the other tribe the benefit of the doubt and believe that they would not kill his son but God knew that we would kill his son in the end.
ReplyDeleteIsn't God amazing! Calvin your post really hit the nail on the head. God had long since prepared eternity in the hearts of men but it is up to us to recognize and accept His great love.
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