My thoughts on Osama

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. 

Comments

[Mike Bundy]

Scott, at the risk of sounding like I'm riding someone's (your) coattail, similar thoughts crossed my mind last night while watching the celebrations in Washington and New York. I'm convinced many were just using it as a reason to party, but others (relatives lost in the attacks) saw it as a time to rejoice in vengence...and I fully understand this emotion.

I, like you believe that God in no way rejoices in the loss of anyone's life; however, I believe He will always give everyone (including Osama) more grace than they deserve to turn their life toward Him and He does reach a point of turning them over to their own evil desires.

Like you said we should celebrate the lives that will be saved by the loss of this life.

I appreciate your input.

Blessings
Mike

[Angela Studebaker]

Very well said. You seem to have a gift for wording things :)You summed up how I feel about it as well. I feel that he was an agent of the enemy, an agent of death, a perpetrator of injustice in the world. We as a society and as christians cannot sit idley by and allow such evil and justice to prevail. It has to be stopped. Had I been alive when Hitler had been taken down, I believe I would have said a prayer of thanks and felt some relief. These are the same feelings I experience today. Do I wish Bin Laden would have repented and turned as mentioned in the verse? You bet I do. But he didn't. He had to be stopped. Are there others who will take his place? Sure. They must also be stopped. Ok I'm done rambling.
Thank you Scott for you words of wisdom.
Angela Studebaker

[Bart templeton]

I am so glad to have read this. It was something that was bothering me all day. I exspecially was bothered by the singing of the crowds. I heard one crowd singing na na goodbye. In my opinion I think that will only stir more anger. I hope I am wrong. Thanks for you great input.

[Scott Miller]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts guys...great to hear from you Bart!

[Wendy]

Appreciate your thoughts. I can rejoice in the justice of God, the expertise of those who risked their own lives to secure peace, and the lives saved because of his demise. But I am uncomfortable with the gloating/partying attitude of some. I wonder how those who suffered loss on 9/11 feel today. I have a feeling this may be a more solemn day for them (because of the memories) than a day to party. Just a thought.

[Chris Griffin]

I'm on board with Ya'll. We should celebrate the fact we gained back a little of our dignity and the freedom to breath a little easier. We shouldn't be celebrating death. But I can't help but picturing Osama standing in front of his creater for first time, as he can only squeak out the words "Ahhhh, oops?

[Julie McAtee]

That is exactly what I was thinking...so glad you were able to put it into words for me, Bro!

[Jamie]

Great Post Scott...you helped put into words and clarify exactly what I was feeling - thanks!!

Jamie (Adams) Fisher

PS. Amy Morse linked to you on Facebook...that's how I found ya! :)

[Dean Martin]

Scott,

Thanks for this post. I could not agree with you more. The scriptures you posted definatley invoked a much deeper thought process concerning this issue for me.