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January 02, 2007
Saddam execution--good thing or outrage?
Saddam Hussein, former leader of Iraq, has been executed. Some have responded with joy, while others fear the new government of Iraq is acting with the same kind of violence as Saddam. Was this a good thing? Saddam was tried, and found guilty of many violent murders. Now one disputes the blood on his hands. But the question is whether it is proper to respond to bloodshed with further bloodshed, or whether the better thing would be to show mercy.
Some would point to the teachings of Jesus found in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus said: "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also... You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." These are very important teachings for disciples to follow, but they are teaching personal ethics. Jesus wants His disciples to demonstrate the same kind of love that He has.
But in Genesis 9:6, the Lord gives direction to the government. It states: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed." How do we reconcile these opposite teachings? Some would say the Old Testament law is outdated, and superceded by the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament, which emphasizes love. Actually, however, we must follow both. In the chapter before the previous quote, in the very same Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will be any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."
Romans 13:1 makes it clear that God established government for a purpose. "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is not authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Paul goes on to explain the purpose of government is to protect its citizens, and establish righteousness. "But if you do wrong, be afraid for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He (the government) is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer."
Saddam was guilty of many violent crimes, and the punishment God has established in Old Testament law is death. This law was the constitution God gave to Israel. It is not our constitution. But we must ask ourselves, "Why would a loving God demand such a severe punishment be carried out in the nation He, himself, established and ruled?" The answer to that question is found in the conclusion of Genesis 9:6. "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man."
God created human beings in His own image. They have infinite worth. Those who deliberately take away that life are, in fact, killing God in effigy. First degree murder is a very serious crime. Because of its severity, God prescribed a very serious penalty to deter such violence. Knowing the penalty, people will very very careful not to take another person's life. They know their own life is at stake.
But in our country, while many states do have capital punishment, there is little or no deterent, because criminals know very few will die, and even then, it will take years. They must first go to trial, and then can appeal time and again for any and every cause, and then can count on many years in prison waiting for appeals to end. There is little fear of death.
In Iraq, the case went to trial, Saddam was found guilty, and he was immediately executed. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages his followers not to take the law into their own hands, but to trust God and demonstrate love and mercy. The government, however, has the mandate to execute those who deliberately take another person's life. Saddam took many. Now justice has been served. It was a very good thing.
Posted by Pastorkeith at 03:08 AM | Comments (17)