Revolt in Cairo, Egypt

  

The ongoing revolt in Cairo, Egypt, is dominating the international headlines.  Economically, it has ushered in higher oil prices.  Politically, it has raised concerns about regional stability as Egypt is a key U.S. ally in a part of the world where they are not to be found in abundance.  Socially, however, these protests seem to be the spark for monumental change in what that government will look like.  Aging dictator, Hosni Mubarak, fired his entire cabinet and, for the first time, appointed a vice president.  Some doubt he will run for a sixth term, but think he may try to hand power over to his son.  Anti-government groups emboldened by surging protests want this regime dismantled.  Over 100 protestors have died and thousands have been wounded, but the protests are spreading to other Egyptian cities.  Cameras are being seized, phone and internet outages are widespread, and a mandatory curfew, though largely ignored, imposed.  Why are these citizens not only continuing, but intensifying, their revolt?

 

From so far away, we can only accept with caution the reports being disseminated.  But, the common thread being attributed to their motives is a longing for freedom.  Various sources say there is limited or very restricted freedom of religion, speech, women's rights, economics, and the like.  Perhaps, other Arab nations, who also have a majority population under the age of 30--a stage of life where one is more idealistic and apt to protest authority--are watching to see how this grab for freedom goes.

 

Whatever all the specific issues at play are, I understand the innate human craving for freedom.  Sadly, too many want freedom from God's authority and commands.  But, wherever they turn, people will find themselves enslaved.  Paul wrote, "Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness" (Rom. 6:16-18).  No one is more oppressed and suppressed than those enslaved to sin (cf. 2 Tim. 2:26).  It is a miserable existence offering no future hope.  But, understanding us perfectly and longing to give us what we not only need but crave, Jesus gives this hopeful news that "you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (John 8:32).  That truth leads to the ultimate freedom, a spiritual and eternal freedom! 

 

These Egyptians seem to want temporal, earthly freedoms granted to them.  We in a land of such freedoms understand that craving.  But, as Christians, we understand that Christ offers a freedom that transcends all other freedoms.  May we spread the news of such freedom wherever we are each day!

 

--Neal Pollard