The Tragic Death of Henry Nowak and the Call for Biblical Justice

The murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton is a heartbreaking tragedy. This young university student was walking home one night when he was stabbed five times and killed.

His killer, Vickrum Digwa, was later convicted of murder and given a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years.

The judge rejected the killer’s false story that Henry had racially abused him. Yet what has troubled so many is the bodycam video that shows police officers handcuffing Henry while he lay dying.

He kept telling them he had been stabbed and couldn’t breathe, but they initially treated him as the aggressor. The police have apologised and an investigation is underway.

Our hearts go out to Henry’s family in their deep sorrow.

What Does the Bible Say About Justice?

As we turn to the Scriptures, which we love here at Calvary, we find clear direction for times like these.

All people are made in the image of God.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (Genesis 1:27)

This is so imnportant, folks! Every single human being, whatever their colour or background, carries the image of God. All lives matter to the Lord. There is no second-class person in the eyes of our Creator.

God demands impartial justice.

“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.” (Leviticus 19:15) 

God also warns us, “Do not pervert justice or show partiality… for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.” (Deuteronomy 16:19) James chapter 2 tells us plainly that showing favouritism is sin. Whether it comes from fear of man, pressure from any community, or any other reason, partiality is wrong in the sight of a holy God.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted.

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

What a comfort this is. We pray the Lord draws very near to Henry’s family right now and gives them His peace that passes understanding.

The Bigger Picture

This sad case has raised many questions about how justice is being applied in our land. Many are concerned that authorities sometimes seem quicker to believe one story over another.

The killer’s false claim was accepted too readily while a dying young man’s cries were not heard. In a fallen world we should not be surprised by sin, but we should grieve when justice is twisted.

We are not called to hate any person or group. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Matthew 5:44). At the same time the Bible never tells us to close our eyes to evil. Murder is evil. Lying is evil. And any system that shows partiality also stands under the judgment of God.

Henry was a young man full of promise, so loved by his family. His death reminds us we live in a world marred by sin. Yet we serve a righteous Judge who sees everything and will one day make all things right.

What Should We Do?

Pray ~ Pray for the Nowak family, for truth to come out in the investigation, for wisdom for those in authority, and for a real spiritual awakening in our nation.

Seek truth ~ Turn to honest voices rather than media that so often hides the real issues.

Demand accountability ~ In a peaceful and lawful way, call for proper investigations and impartial justice for everyone.

Live biblically ~ Treat every person with dignity because they are made in God’s image. Stand against murder and against every form of favouritism.

Acts 17:26 reminds us that God “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.” We are one human race. Let us stand for the kind of justice that honours our Lord.

Our hope is not in politics or in any earthly system. Our hope is in Jesus Christ, who died at Calvary so that justice and mercy could meet.

Come to the cross, folks. There you will find forgiveness, peace, and the strength to walk rightly in these difficult days.