A Newspaper in One Hand, a Bible in the Other

Osama Bin Laden has been brought to justice by our Navy Seals. I have been trying to wrap my head around the dancing and jubilation that I saw on the news all morning. Since trying to make things make sense in my own head with my own reasoning is usually quite dangerous I went to the only source of Real Truth, the Bible.


Romans 14:3-4 says, "For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer."


Justice over evil is a good thing. God uses governments to bring about justice. The American Government has brought justice to a murderer. Serving in the military is very honorable and one can be God's servant AND be in the military. It is good for me to be thankful for those in military service and to be thankful for their enacting of justice against evildoers. 


I was reminded this morning of God's prophet, Samuel, and how he responded when he had to confront King Saul of his sin. He was not prideful or "flip" or arrogant.


1 Samuel 15:10-11 records, "Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was troubled, and he cried out to the LORD all that night."


Samuel was troubled and prayed all night over it. He did not go out to  party and rejoice. 


I believe Samuel is a good example of how I should respond to the death of an evil ruler. I understand that justice had to happen and I appreciate those brave soldiers who were willing to risk their lives to courageously bring it about. But it is sobering, not joyful, and should drive me to prayer.


Proverbs 24:17-18 says, "Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him."


It would have been better if Osama Bin Laden had repented, turned to Jesus for salvation and forgiveness, and turned himself in to the authorities. He was created in the image of God like me, he was a sinner who needed a Savior like me, he was someone's child like me.


I want to love what God loves and hate what God hates. I want to want what God wants!! Here is what the Bible says that God wants:


1 Timothy 2:1-4, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."


In addition to this let me just say that my heartfelt prayers go out to those who suffered such tremendous loss on September 11, 2001. I will never forget...