It was 1870, and tensions were high in Orange County, Florida. Cattleman Moses E. Barber refused to pay what he believed to be unjust taxes on his cattle. Mr. Barber publicly warned Orange County Sheriff David Mizell to stay off his property. The sheriff was not swayed by the threats. Lawmen, past and present, don’t heed the threats of those who don’t want them to carry out their duties. Like many officers today, Mizell was a military veteran, having served with the Confederate Army during the Civil War, and was no doubt accustomed to carrying out orders in the face of lethal threats. On Monday, February 21st, Sheriff David Mizell intended to do just that. With court order in hand, Sheriff Mizel, his son, and another man set out on horseback to confiscate Mr. Barber’s cattle as payment for the delinquent taxes.
Knowing they faced possible resistance; the trio rode onto the Barber ranch. As they crossed a stream, gunfire suddenly erupted. Sheriff Mizell was hit. The three dismounted and took cover. The younger Mizell went to his father’s side. The wound was serious, and the sheriff knew he would not survive. As he lay dying in his son’s arms his last request was that his death not be avenged.[1]
A posse was formed, and the suspected triggerman was captured. Against Sheriff Mizell’s dying request, vengeance was carried out. The man was tied to a plowshare and tossed over the side of a boat. When he failed to sink, the posse shot and killed him in a volley of rifle fire. The Bible says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves” (Rom. 12:19a).
Justice must be carried out in a lawful court. We cannot take justice into our own hands. Vigilante justice is not justice, it is mob rule fueled by emotions. Law enforcement officers must show restraint. At times, it’s hard to do so. When the victim is a child or one of our own, emotions can drive actions. We also read, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom.12:17-18).
How can we do that? How can we live at peace when justice is not always carried out? Because the Bible also says, “…leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Rom. 12:19b). God will make all things right. There is not one sin that will go unpunished. The sins of those who place their faith in Jesus were paid for on the cross with a single sacrifice, once for all (Heb. 10:10ff). God’s wrath was poured out on his Son for sin’s payment. Those who refuse the gift of salvation will themselves experience God’s wrath for their sin (Rev. 20:13). All things will be made right.
Sheriff Mizell was survived by his wife and five children. He is buried in the Mizell Family Graveyard in Orlando, Florida.
Book Ministry
During spring break, my son-in-law Dylan took Roman (my oldest grandson) and me to Oneida Narrows Reservoir in SE Idaho, with hopes of catching some small mouth bass or walleye. Although we were skunked, it was a beautiful day, and we had a great time. When we were leaving, Officer John Beer (Idaho Fish and Game) stopped by to check our license. Officer Beer was very professional and friendly. I gave him a copy of “Winning a Gunfight.” He was very grateful and assured me he would read it. Just outside of Ft. Smith, AR, I gave a copy of the book to a Sebastian County deputy I ran into at a gas station. She too was very thankful for the gift.
For several years people have requested an audio recording of my books. Thanks to the science of AI (artificial intelligence), all of my books are now available on Amazon as audio books.
On the Road
Just before we hit the road, Sherry and I were blessed to present the Strong Blue Line Foundation at our home church (Watersprings) in Idaho Falls. You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/live/7bkBxwx2GZ8?si=hfBLxy0lZAL-uIbN.
It has been a busy month of travel! We started with a “Winning a Gunfight” (WAG) seminar in Mena, AR, then headed to Louisiana for three “Exploring Chaplaincy” seminars in Monroe, Alexandria, and Lafayette, then headed back to Monroe for WAG seminar. Next up is Montgomery, AL for a “Suicide is Not an Option” seminar and a possible “Winning a Gunfight” seminar at Maxwell AFB.
Pray for your police.
[1] (www.odmp.org/officer/9452-sheriff-david-william-l-mizell)
