As you are all aware, Osama (Usama) Bin Laden was pronounced dead as of yesterday. As I heard the news last night, I immediately got really interested, and honestly pretty happy. All over the Café at Liberty there was a “buzz” of conversation, some “woopees,” and more staring intently into the TV screen.
After my initial reaction, I began to think about what our response to this event should actually be. Does the Bible speak to this? Should we feel relief, joy, sadness, or what should we feel? I can’t say that I have the answers, but lets try to discuss this “real quick like.”
First, here are some of the responses of newspapers today:
Philadelphia Daily News — "We got the bastard!"
Edmonton Sun — "Burn in hell!"
New York Daily News — "Rot in hell!"
New York Post — "Got him! Vengeance at last! US Nails the bastard!"
Tampa Bay Times — "Got him (Shot him)"
San Francisco Examiner — "The butcher of 9/11 is dead"
Many Christians would actually echo these cries! And are they right in doing so? Remember, this man is responsible for the deaths of thousands upon thousands!
Although our flesh resounds with these cries, we are to have the mind and heart of Jesus, and are to obey what he commands.
He tells us that people will know that we are His followers because we love one another. However, not only are we to have a deep affection for other believers, but we must also love our enemies:
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Matt. 5:43-48
Even pagans love those who love them, so are we any better than unbelievers if we hate this man? The reality is that Osama Bin Laden WAS an extremely evil, deceived man.
The next reality that you and I must grasp is that YOU and I are or were in just as much rebellion to God. You see, it’s not the amount of evil things that you do, but rather that you oppose the Holy, Righteous and Just, Sovereign God of the Universe.
The only thing separating you and I from the state of Osama is the precious blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed on the cross. God’s mercy to US should be seen in the highest regard, rather than judgment on anyone else.
Secondly, however, God is a God of Justice and Wrath. Osama deserved to die! But again, so do you and I. So, we can say of Osama’s death, “Justice has been served,” remembering that we deserved the same death.
I think that it is legitimate for us to feel more at peace (though he was not the only leader), but I think that it’s important for us to filter everything through our Biblical, Christ-centered worldview.
Please feel free to comment. I would love to hear your thoughts – these are just my thoughts in between classes.
Scott
