Sermon Illustrations
Crocodiles Don't Take Bribes
Budi Waseso, head of Indonesia's Anti-Narcotics Agency, wants to build a death-row prison for drug convicts. That's not unusual by Indonesian standards, but Budi wants the prison to be guarded by crocodiles. Here's his reason, according to the story in the BBC: "… crocodiles made better guards than humans—because they could not be bribed." Budi said to the local news site Tempo, "You can't bribe crocodiles. You can't convince them to let inmates escape."
Possible Preaching Angle:
We can reject Mr. Waseso's solution to criminal behavior while still admitting he has a point about human nature. Crocodiles are beastly creatures, but only humans know how to take a bribe. Of course it's also true that Jesus didn't die for crocodiles (although he may love those wily creatures). He died for sinful, bribing, lying, conniving human beings like prison guards … and like me and you.
Source:
Staff, “Indonesia drugs: Crocodiles 'to guard death row prisons,'” BBC News (11-9-15)