Castro Indicted

The U.S. Department of Justice indicted Raul Castro, former President of Cuba, on Wednesday. The charges in the indictment date back to 1996 and allege that then-President Castro ordered the shootdown of two small planes flown by Americans and conducting a humanitarian mission. Four were killed and this week’s developments demand that Castro appear in the U.S. to answer to the charges—an expectation most assume he will resist.

Analysis and eternal perspective: As we’ve come to expect, reactions to this story vary significantly. Those in favor call it long-overdue justice, while those opposed say it is a pretext for invading Cuba.

Only time will tell if this story leads to a U.S. invasion of Cuba, but we do know that justice is a concept accomplished in an eternal fashion by our God. That does not mean that all justice waits for heaven—in fact, quite the opposite according to Proverbs 13:21: “Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.”

God’s heart is always inclined toward the oppressed, and yours should be as well (Is. 1:17, Ps. 82:3). There is no doubt that the wounds of these four families remain, even after 30 years. This story should be a reminder to pray for them and, if you happen to be in community with them, continue to provide support and care to them.

As for the indictment, let us pray for the leaders making decisions about enforcing it. God, grant wisdom and discernment in balancing the pursuit of justice with current circumstances. May You show Yourself strong on behalf of the oppressed and afflicted, and may we be Your vessels of care and compassion.