Freedom from the law

I just read a disturbing article. Evidently, a sheik in town in Somalia is threatening to behead residents if they do not pray five times daily.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,234817,00.html

My initial reaction was one of being horrified. How can this happen today? And, how can this religion be followed? Why don't the people see that murdering and torturing people because they fail to abide by legalistic rules of behavior can't possibly be a faith that makes any sense?

And then it dawned on me. Sadly, this reminds me of the Pharisees and other religious leaders during the time of our savior Jesus. Those that weren't following the law were crucified, stoned, beaten, tortured. The same fate met many of the Apostles of Christ. Fortunately for us, the atoning death of Jesus has freed us from legalistic stipulations. We are still asked to follow the Law, but our law is summarized by Jesus in Luke 10:26-27:

"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

See: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=49&chapter=10&version=31&context=chapter

We're shocked when we read about religions doing this today, and rightfully so, because we think we are more civilized. Brutally attacking another is certainly not loving your neighbor. But this is disturbing evidence that should shock us. We live in a brutal world, fighting against Satan on a daily basis. It is evidence of how distorted faith can lead to inexplicable atrocities.

This is also a call to be missional in our lives. Introduce the Gospels at every opportunity. Explain the freedom that comes from a life in Christ. Give a reason for the hope you have. (1 Peter 3:15)