With the execution of Saddam Hussein on Saturday morning a number of different thoughts came swirling around in my head. A first thought was a feeling of justice being vindicated. Of course we are aware that Hussein has been responsible for the heartless murder of thousands of people throughout is tyrannous reign. So a feeling of this man getting what he deserves does give a sense of vindication.
Another thought was that of the image of God. All of humanity is made in the image of God (Gen. 1.26), that is, we are created with certain irremovable imprints of the divine character in our innermost being. This image is now perverted and maimed by sin but, nevertheless is still present in all mankind.
On the gallows of execution for Saddam we see the image of God reflecting righteousness, albeit a bit short sighted. Throughout Hussein’s trial the theme of justice was reiterated; Hussein must pay for what his heinous crimes throughout the last 30 years. But can he pay? Can his life pay? And who is the object of his payment anyway? The thousands of family members? America? The international society?
In Genesis (9.6) we see capital punishment implemented not primarily as a form of therapy for the victim’s family to establish closure but as the just requirement for the offense to God through the disregard of the image of God in man. This is why a phrase like his “debt to society” is a bit shortsighted. A murderer’s primary offense is against God and the means of this offense is the disregard of God in man through his image.
It is also interesting to consider, by way of contrast, the grace of God in the leaders that he gives us. We all have opinions about political leaders; however, we should be thanking God for his grace in not giving us a world full of Saddam’s. It is true of course that the heart of a tyrant is in all of us and in all leaders as well, however, it is God’s restraining grace that prevents Saddam’s rap sheet from being the norm across this land. Additionally, it is God’s grace that gives us governments that reflect a pursuit of justice. We know from Romans 13 that governments are “established” by God as a “servant” to accomplish his will. Some are better than others, and none are perfect, however, it is a blessing from heaven that we have governments that call murder wrong.
Finally, Hussein’s death makes me worship Jesus. When I looked at Hussein on the video and saw his eyes, I saw much of myself. Sure I did not accumulate the rap sheet that he did, but perhaps that is because I was not given the power. Is my heart not as deceitful, wicked, and murderous as his (Jer. 17.9; Mark 7.21)? Is it because of my own goodness that I am not on trial as an international war criminal? How dare we think such thoughts (Luke 18.10-14). It is divine grace that restrains and keeps the sinner’s heart from maturing to its intended end (Jam. 1.13-14).
Further, it is Jesus Christ who came and put on flesh to come and save sinners like us. As Jesus said he did not come to call the “righteous” but “sinners”. O’ what a blessed truth this is. He came to save sinners, who are helpless, ungodly, and enemies (Rom. 5), while being children of wrath (Eph. 2), hostile in mind and engaged in evil deeds (Col. 1).
Praise God that Jesus did not merely ‘pay a debt to society’ either. No friends he did much more. As the only one who was eligible to pay the eternal debt to the eternal Father, he, the eternal Son, offered up an eternal sacrifice, that he may give sinners like me and you: eternal life (Heb. 9.12). And he did it. As Hebrews 9 says, “He obtained eternal redemption”. Thank God this is not just a concept, or abstract theological theory, but it is a reality, Jesus Christ obtained eternal redemption for ugly sinners like us who all deserve, by God’s good and just standard, to pay with eternal death.
The gallows would be too soft a punishment for a sinner like me. My offense reached heaven and so did yours. The eternal debt requires an eternal payment. How wonderful is Christ Jesus the Lord, who became man that he might redeem man and satisfy God!
So join me in marveling at God while reading the news and looking in the mirror.
