Fleeing from the Khmer Rouge (2) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18

Fleeing from the Khmer Rouge (2)
Koeun, a Cambodian fleeing from the Khmer Rouge, is detained in a neighbouring country. There, he is visited by Paula, a Christian. Koeun realises that he cannot stand before God, who knows all his thoughts. He recalls this moment in conversation with Paula:

“I was dumbfounded.” But then Paula continued, “You know, Koeun, I’m in the same situation as you. If God were to judge me for all my thoughts and actions, even the most secret ones, I would be just as lost as you!”

Stunned, I replied, “But Paula, then what’s the point of Christianity? That’s bad news, not good! I used to believe in the doctrine of karma, which says that I will be punished in my next life for the wrongs I have committed in this life. And I’m glad I no longer believe in that. And now you’re telling me that after death, I will be punished by God for the same wrongs. You call that good news?”

I had involuntarily spoken so loudly that my voice echoed in the corridors of the prison. I was surprised by my own outburst.

However, Paula seemed unfazed by my reaction. With her usual calmness, she replied, “Koeun, tell me, what symbol is usually used to represent Christianity?”

“I think it’s a cross,” I said hesitantly, “but I don’t see how that answers my question!”

(to be continued tomorrow)

Today’s reading: Leviticus 4:1-12 · Psalms 49:12-20