I learned of bin Laden’s death like many of you. Dallas and I were winding down on that Sunday night when “Breaking News” interrupted programming just before the 10 o’clock hour. I did not become aware of the jubilant celebrations across American until early the next morning. The headline on my computer screamed out....”Osama bin Laden is dead”….while pictures scrolled of Americans dancing in the streets waving flags and singing songs of celebration.
As an American, I felt a sense of pride in our armed forces and their resolve to protect and defend America and the world at large. I feel a sense of resolution that bin Laden’s taunting personal reign of terror is finally over and that his cowardly corpse had been disposed into the sea. In no way can his death make up for the thousands of individual lives and families impacted by his demonic actions on the day that will forever be remembered as 9-11. But in some sense, justice has been served. We are all held accountable for our actions and if one is not committed to live by grace then he or she must eventually experience the consequence of God’s law.
To be perfectly honest, I must say that I am glad that bin Laden’s personal voice for the mandate of hate has been silenced, but I am also reminded of the biblical mandate that must tenor our own response, “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not rejoice.” (Proverbs 24:17) As Jesus followers, we are to demonstrate a peculiar way, a radical way that runs contrary to our instinct “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Jesus said that children of the kingdom are to represent a higher moral law.
“You have heard it was said ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’” But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:43-44)
I find it ironic that the Pontiff of Peace, Pope Paul II was beatified on the same day Osama bin Laden was killed. The Vatican’s statement released the Monday after bin Laden’s death reflected the spirit of the ambassador of peace Pope Paul III emulated during his earthly service.
“Osama bin Laden, as we all know, must bear the responsibility for spreading divisions and hatred among populations, causing the deaths of innumerable people, and manipulating religion for this purpose. In the face of a man’s death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects upon the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and works and hopes so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not hatred.”
I am thankful that Osama bin Laden is gone and can no longer be an inciting voice for evil, but as a Christian, I am working to align my heart with the heart of our Father God who mourns over a wayward son who sowed seeds of hate instead of seeds of peace. Let us pray that others who harbor such hatred and evil in their hearts will come to know Jesus before they unleash more destruction and they too suffer a similar demise. And while you are at it…………….
Pray for Peace!
Rick
