Ugh…I've had the wave of emotions over the past 24 hours. I have little desire to debate you on this (as I stinketh at such things). But I felt compelled (if not only for myself) to share what I've been thinking.
I join the thoughts of Ezekiel 33:11 (that many seem to be throwing around on this day…Scripture listed below), that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. But please don't leave out the whole verse - he does take pleasure when they turn from their wicked ways! What do you do when a man is confronted, for 10 years and longer, to turn from his evil murderous ways, and he refuses to change? Is there a place for Romans 13:3-5 (Scripture listed below)? Is this the role of government? Governments do not bear the sword for nothing. Could this be God's vengeance? Even if you disagree with this interpretation of Romans 13, are we simply supposed to allow a murderer to continue to murder? And allow him to encourage others to do such?
What about Exodus 15:1-21? Verse 1 – I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. Is this not Biblical precedence for a celebration being allowable when an evil murderous person has been taken out? When Pharaoh's army was swallowed by the Sea, God's people sang and danced. Is it wrong for America to do the same?
I will now go out on a limb…As I see Scripture, I believe it is allowable for Americans to take a season not to celebrate death, as much as to celebrate life. Lives will now live b/c a continual murderer has died.
I don't suppose to have an answer to all of the questions, but it seems it has to come down to the reasons for celebration. What are your right reasons for celebrating this, and wrong reasons for celebrating this? Share in the comment section if you'd like…(conspiracy theorists, please keep such thoughts to yourself…thanks…hah!). Let me get us started:
Wrong reason – b/c your heart has been so full of hatred towards this man, and he now gets what he deserved the ugly warthog.
Correct reason – this man has murdered many, and now has been stopped…innocent people will now live b/c of this man's death…
Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?'
Romans 13:3-5 3For 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 he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
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