Of all the hellish devices that can be inflicted upon a population the subjection by starvation must surely be the worst. The sight of well fed leaders strutting on the world stage with their posse of attendants while their policies cause starvation and death at home can only be described as obscene. This word was fittingly applied last week to President Mugabe who is currently attending the UN’s Food Conference in Rome. After 28 years in power, thwarted by the recent election results and demanding a re-run on the 27th June, his henchmen have set about to systematically intimidate the opposition voters in an offensive that has left 50 dead and driven thousands from their homes. Mugabe’s response to the empty food shelves in the shops has been denial. He likens his economy to that of South Africa as the two most flourishing in Africa. What causes this delusion? He cannot blame his early years as he was raised as a Roman Catholic, studying in Marist Brothers and Jesuit schools, including the exclusive Kutama College, headed by an Irish priest, Father Jerome O’Hea, who took him under his wing. It cannot be lack of education for he gained 7 degrees some of them during the 11 years he was in prison. What religion and education have failed to do was enable him to live as he ought. There is a parallel in the case of Saul of Tarsus who was one of the most religious and highly educated men of his day. It was not until he had an encounter with the risen Jesus that he was changed. That change enabled him to live as he ought. For Mugabe or any of us it’s not religion or education that can change the heart but only a meeting with the living Jesus. This happens when we take him at his word and respond to the Bible’s invitation; “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”. Mugabe at 84 may not have many days left but one thing is certain that there will never be a better day than today. Put your trust in Jesus now.