I have mixed emotions about it. I'm thrilled that the man who brought terror to its pinnacle in my lifetime can no longer threaten the lives of the innocent. At the same time, I'm also saddened by the response of exhilaration by our nation. My emotions honestly confused me for a moment.
"Why am I not as excited about this as everyone else?" I asked myself. Then I saw a post on Facebook from one of my friends.
Ezekiel 18 tells us, "Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked," declares the Lord God, "rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?"
Proverbs 24:17 instructs us, "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your hear be glad when he stumbles."
I think these two verses help me better understand the wrestling match in my heart. My flesh cries out with victory. The fear for so many is over! My spirit soars at good conquering evil. My soul weeps over another soul damned to hell.
I don't believe God's plan for Osama Bin Laden life was to spend his last years being hunted and killed like an animal. If I know anything about God at all, it's that His love and sovereignty desires an abundant life of love, peace and joy for every man, woman and child. Of course, we know that many reject His plan, so justice prevails.
This morning, I'll continue to wrestle with my feelings. I'll continue to have a sense of relief for those families who endured loss on 9-11. And I'll continue to look in wonder at the lust for blood and vengeance by so many in our world today.
May the Lord God Almighty's presence and power sustain and lead our nation!
4 comments:
Thank you so much. I am feeling the exact same way. I am disheartened that America is celebrating this death and I couldn't understand why. Thank you for the verses.
The 15th chapter of Exodus records the jubilation of Israel "The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea." They were celebrating the overthrow of Pharaoh and his army.
But what are we to think when a wicked nation triumphs over another equally wicked? Romans chapter 2 gives us the answer.
I couldn't explain it any better myself, you put my feelings into words.I feel the same way! But couldn't verbalize it, because my emotions were so mixed! I love the Scripture you posted, it totally brought everything about this event into prospective for me -Thank You! God Bless!
Another thought is that Bin Laden's ability to avoid capture may have indicated to some that Allah was protecting him...
Tom
Post a Comment