The Day Supercop Fell

Cops are ever so smart in their uniform. If my St John uniform was half as impressive, I’m certain I would have won over half-a-dozen girls in my secondary school… So much for my wild imagination… back to the real stuff!

Just 2 weeks ago, I went to Malacca for a self-help holiday. Everything about the trip was nice and smooth until I came to the last stop of my tour – the Malaysian custom.

Just when I was driving away from the custom, I noticed a burly Malaysian policeman signaling to me to pull over. I thought immediately that he wanted to check my car boot for illegal stuffs. So I stopped, opened the boot and stood beside it in my usual humble stance.

The impressive cop strode towards me and asked for my driving license. After receiving it, he asked me whether I knew I did not put on my seat belt. I said, “yes” and “sorry”. So he said he could fine me for RM120. Naively, I pull out my wallet to see if I’ve got enough money to pay the fine.

On seeing the wads of cash in my wallet, Mr Policeman got all thrilled and excitedly commanded me back to my driver’s seat. At that moment, I understood him. How silly of me. Our Mr Nice never wanted to fine me. He just wanted to share MY money with me.

For a moment, I thought to myself, “Is RM20 enough to dismiss him?” But our good old H.S. interrupted immediately, “Dear PASTOR, I look forward to your sharing to your congregation that you just bribed a policeman in Malaysia.” I realized this must be some form of “suffering for Christ sake” that the Bible talked about.

What happened subsequently was almost comical. While I tried to act blur, the cop tried his utmost to hint to me his need for a bribe. Finally, in his frustration, he said, “Don’t you understand? You just need to give me some coffee money!” At that, I have to come into the open too. I replied, “I can’t do it. It’s wrong. Please issue me a summon.”

He was taken aback. I could see his struggle on his face. A few seconds later he passed my license back to me. Then he gave me a verbal warning and asked me to move on. I said “thank you” humbly and flew away!

What is the moral of the story? You might suggest something like: “When you honor God, God honors you in return!” I guess that’s not wrong. You might have thought I would be elated about the “escape”. But I was actually sad, very sad.

The smart-looking policeman’s behavior reminded me of how deeply mankind is bonded in sin. Who has the power to save us ?! Our Lord Jesus Christ! He has broken the chains of sin and brought us into victorious living. We saved ones have the duty to bring this news to all who bother to hear! Woe to us if we slack on this duty!

The rest of my journey home, I was praying for that poor policeman. I pray that he would be convicted of his sins and be given an opportunity to hear the good news. Salvation is at hand, we need not wallow in our sins no more…