Mandela and his duty

Nelson Mandela was once asked what he would like as an epitaph on his grave, and he replied (in that slow, deliberate voice of his) 'Here lies a man who did his duty on earth'.

And now he has died, and the airwaves are full of world leaders, professional commentators and others trying to find words to do justice to his life and legacy. 

History will show Mandela as:

A freedom fighter who fought for justice and an end to oppression using words and great personal sacrifice. 

A prisoner who was more free than his captors.

A reconciler and peacemaker, who opted to forgive his captors on his release and in doing so paved the way for the transformation of a nation and the inspiration of a generation.

A powerful figure who was not power-hungry: he gave away power by standing down as South Africa's President after a mere 5 years.

A world statesman with a moral authority that other national leaders could only dream of.

And more besides. Much more.

As for myself, I'll remember being stirred by the injustice of his '25 years  in captivity' (Thank you, Jerry Dammers), purchasing a 'Release Mandela' mug from an ad in the NME c.1984 (drinking my tea from it this morning!)' watching his release from Robben Island on a 4 inch square black and white screen in Libby's student room, reading his autobiography, visiting South Africa and his cell on Robben Island many years later, and in recent years watching this colossus of a man slowly turn into a frail old man.

Will other world leaders follow his example and use power as it is meant to be used - not for their own ends but for the betterment of others? I think I know the answer... One comment on BBC World Service this morning went like this: Nelson Mandela was the statesman that we long for all our politicians to be, but rarely are.

To what extent Mandela's Christian education shaped his passion for justice, his understanding of power, his love for his neighbour, and his sense of 'duty', I don't know. He didn't speak about it. But today I thank God for Nelson Mandela, and pray that He will raise up more world leaders who have a Christ-shaped understanding of leadership and power. Maybe, even, some who will publicly confess to owning the name of Jesus...

Thanks be to God for the life of Nelson Mandela.