Thoughts on a Dying Cuban Dictator…

As I’ve reflected a bit on the continuing saga of the people from whom I hail, I’ve found myself wondering what, if any should be my response to the fact that the man that has held the Cuban people under his thumb for close to 50 years is now, seemingly, on his way out. He follows in the footsteps of both great and small alike; all men one day face the reality of Death. There is no way to tell when, but Fidel Castro will most certainly die, and his eternal fate will be sealed at that point…

By my statements above, it is easy to tell that I have no great love for the man, aside from a possible gratitude that his rule has made my own birth and life possible (my parents met in the States). My father has been away from his homeland for over 30 years now, and my grandparents died without ever seeing their beloved beaches again. Castro is an icon of an oppressive regime that suppresses personal freedom and personal faith alike, and both the church and humanity at large may be well served by his passing.

However, as I have contemplated my sentiments (as well as the poised celebrations in Miami that only await a word to launch), there is something that strikes me as somehow wrong. Should a Christian celebrate anyone’s death, no matter how evil they seem? Should death be a thing to be celebrated at all? It is completely anti-creational; death is that which we overcome through Christ. Why would I celebrate my enemy’s victory, even if it claims the life of one who has destroyed the lives of so many?

Of course, there were celebrations in the Bible when the people of God had victory over their enemies. But perhaps for those who have been filled with the presence and love of Christ, there should always be a twinge of sadness in such victories. What if Castro dies outside of the grace of God and the Gospel? Should we celebrate, knowing that he is damned for eternity?

Perhaps we should instead join the ranks of those Christians that pray daily for Fidel’s salvation. Perhaps a better way would be to seek his good. Perhaps we should hope instead for the day when our celebrations will be alongside Mr. Castro as we fall to our knees in worship together before the Throne.

Perhaps my prayer should instead be for the transformation of my own heart to desire that "[none] should perish, but ^that all should reach repentance" (2 Pet 3:9; see also Jn 3:16 and 1 Tim 2:4). I am not there yet, but I pray that instead of celebrating a man’s death, I may join with Christ in celebrating new life. May our prayers be answered, by God’s grace. Amen.