When I heard the news of Bin Laden's death I was hit with lots of emotions. He did horrible things. In a moment he changed the way our world works. All nations lived in fear of him and his abilities. For ten years men and women sacrificed so that this moment could happen. They deserve a standing ovation for all the ways they protect our country. I'm glad that families who needed closure after loosing loved ones in 9/11 got closure.
The interesting thing is that this wasn't what God had planned for his life. God loved Osama bin Laden. Just like He loves you. Just like He loves me. Can you imagine the calling of influence, the pursuit of justice and the promotion of holiness that God had for him to walk in? Instead he chose to influence the world through terror, the justice that he pursued was perverted and the holiness he promoted was just an empty shell in the end. I believe that Jesus pursued him till his death.
We all have different views on what is or isn't appropriate in moments like this. Should we kill someone? Who gets credit? Are they going to retaliate? How much celebrating should be done? ... The reality is that no matter where you land on these issues, it is a significant moment for the world. In all spheres. What I'd like to comment on isn't about where we should land on the questions above.
What I want to say is about the strongest emotion that I felt. Compassion for people. "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood...but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Eph. 6:12
As a Church lets not just stop at the death of a man. Lets pursue Justice in this moment. The Justice that died on a cross years ago to bring redemption to broken people. People in the middle east are living in great amount of uncertainty. Governments are falling and forces such as Al Qaeda are being broken down. Lets pray that in this pivotal moment they would meet Justice himself. Lets pray that people would live in fear and oppression no more. Cry out to God that His dreams for these nations would come to pass. That is the opportunity in front of the church in moments like these.
The security that the world is looking for isn't found in the absence of Bin Laden, but in the presence of Jesus.
That last sentence knocks it out of the ballpark! So very, very true.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
ReplyDeleteI have tears in my eyes Elizabeth as you have written what was in my heart. I understand the victory in Osama's death, but he was a person who God loved and wanted. Truly your last sentence it the Truth our world; the Church needs to hear today. Thank you for seeking God's heart dear girl.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Elizabeth. Very well put I've grieved all day. What was done was necessary. But still heartbreaking that, as U2 so aptly suggests, Osama never found what he was looking for.
ReplyDeleteDad
A hearty amen!!!
ReplyDeleteThoughtfully written. Thank you.
ReplyDeletediana @drgtjustwondering.blogspot.com
I have been pondering this, too.
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Glenda
It's so not black and white thinking as just like you I've struggled with the things resulting in this. I had a friend post "Pray for the Church in Pakistan. Pray for radical Islam. Pray for restoration for all mankind." And someone responded, "I pray a freaking bomb lands on them." Broke my heart...
ReplyDeleteThat last sentence. Oh. Yes, you have written this with passion and compassion. May Jesus' heart be splayed out all over the world.
ReplyDeleteA myrid of emotions. I can understand the emotions of those who lost so much on 9.11. I can also understand in a small way what the heart of O-Bin-Laden's creator feels. Oh that the world would know Jesus.
ReplyDeletePamela