One Man
I appreciate the efforts of our troops, respect the deceased, and celebrate a so-called “safer” world (which is why they’re increasing intelligence monitoring in Los Angeles, right? Oh the irony). However, the only death we should ever celebrate is that of Jesus Christ. Without His death, our deaths would be no different than his death — hopeless, condemned, and eternally damned.
Absolutely nowhere in the Bible does it say to rejoice in the death of our enemies. Even if that enemy caused the death of thousands of innocent lives and destroyed the families of so much more, Jesus preaches an unconditional, redemptive kind of love. However, we justify this murder of Osama bin Laden because he is a ruthless murderer himself. But, are we really any better? Do we deserve any lighter of a punishment?
“Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer” (1 John 3:14-15).
According to the Bible, I’m a murderer because, I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve burned quite a few bridges in my life. But, the Ultimate Act of Love has spared me from the consequences of my sin and, instead, bridged the way to eternal life. Then, what’s the difference between the me-the-murderer and Osama-the-murderer? The number of people we’ve murdered, either in our hearts or physically?
“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (James 2:10).
Because our God is a holy God, breaking even one of His laws is equivalent to breaking the whole law. Sin is sin. Thus, I deserve a death as painful and dehumanizing as Osama bin Laden’s. However, by the grace of God, the death of my Savior has spared me and released me from the shackles of my sin. For this I rejoice, but for this I also mourn.
“I take NO PLEASURE in the death of the wicked but rather that they turn from their ways and live” (Ezekiel 33:11).
I grieve because no death is ever justified. More so, a death of someone as distant from God, I’m assuming, as Osama bin Laden.
Thus, contrary to President Obama’s released statement, Osama bin Laden’s death did not bring justice. No, only One Death has brought and will ever bring justice, healing to the hurting, and eternal victory.
This nation needs our prayers more than ever.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
