Who owns death?
I lived in Manassas VA during the time of fear unleashed by the Beltway Sniper. I lived blocks from where the fatal shooting of Dean Meyers took place. I remember the fear I felt just going to the grocery store.
However, the news of his execution last night gives my a heavy heart. Was he a murderer? Yes.
Does he deserve punishment? Yes.
Should that punishment be death? I say No. Gandhi Said:
"An Eye for an Eye makes the whole world blind."
Jesus Said:
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a 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. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. Exodus 21:23-25
"Mirror Punishment" ultimately punishes us as a society. The Hebrew understanding of "An Eye for an Eye" was not to be taken literally. You see, every law had to be universally enforceable. So, if a person had no eyes or was born blind, how could one remove their eyes? The text actually has to do with monetary punishment. It was designed to hold the community accountable so that the victim (or victim's family) didn't seek revenge on their own often to the point of murder. (Sampson anyone? Bueller?)God Says:
For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." Hebrews 10:30
I think this is ultimately a matter of trust. Do we trust that God will repay it. And, what if God forgives those who've wronged us? What then?Vengeance is not mine. I would argue that it's not even "ours". So, who owns Death?
Not me that's for sure.
