Saddam Hussein is dead; hanged by his countrymen for one of many crimes against his own people. Under Saddam, Iraq continually threatened neighboring countries, shook its fist in the face of the world, and killed many of its own citizens. Now the murderer has paid for his crimes with his own life.
His death by capital punishment is supported by the teaching of Scripture. Romans 13 is written in the context of a citizen’s responsibility to obey the government. In God’s plan the government’s role, in part, is to execute justice on evil doers. “But if you do evil, be afraid; for he [government – bh] does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” Romans 13:4. Several other passages could be cited but such proof is not the purpose of this post.
As I looked at pictures of Saddam on the Internet I felt disturbed by his pending death. It isn’t that I felt that it was wrong for Saddam to die for his evil. I feel quite the opposite. Such punishment is fair and correct, especially in light of his crimes.
The reason I feel disturbed is because even though Saddam was an evil man, Saddam has a soul. He will be ultimately judged by God and will spend eternity dealing with the consequences of that judgment.
Death is very final. Upon death our opportunity for course correction is over. Our chance to right wrongs is gone. The chance for someone to influence a spiritual change in us is past. That disturbs me.
In a way, Saddam’s death sentence could have been a favor to him. He knew his death was eminent. He could make some final preparations and changes. Our own death may well come without any early warning such as in a car crash, a heart attack or a fatal gun shot.
Some say that capital punishment is not a deterrent to crime. Each time I hear of a death sentence being carried out, I shudder a bit as I think about my own death. Am I ready? Are there things I need to resolve in my life? Have I adequately taught my children the important, spiritual lessons they need? Have I said what needs to be said to those around me who need encouragement to make some course correction themselves?
For me, capital punishment is a very sober reminder that we will never get out of this world alive. Death is certain and we must be prepared.
“…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10
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1 comment:
Good thoughts. I was surprised by the reactions of the Iraqi people. Many of them felt like this execution would finally bring peace. Unfortunately, this will not be the case. They make the same error we do when we think democracy will solve all the problems of evil in the world. Peace isn't the result of proper Gov't, it is the result of people having the right relationship with God. Saddam's death doesn't make anyone relationship with God any better, especially those who follow a false god. I wish peace was the result of this death; however, I feel certain they will be dissapointed by the lack of peace they will find in the middle east.
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