I expect this post to be unpopular. I don't expect any rave reviews. I am struggling with the way I feel over the death of Usama Bin Laden. A few years ago, I would have been jumping up and down and rejoicing over this news, like so many other Americans will be doing for days and maybe weeks. I am not. I am glad that an enemy is defeated. I am glad that the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks and so many other terrorist activities can no longer plot against our nation. I am glad that he can no longer kill innocent people. And I am thankful for our faithful military and their families, whose cost for our freedom is so much greater than my own.
On the other hand, I felt the pain his family is feeling over the loss of their husband, father, and brother. They may be our enemies, but they feel his loss as deeply as we feel the loss of our loved ones.
And more importantly, I don't think this pleases God.
Ezekiel 18:23 says, '" Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?' declares the Sovereign LORD. "'Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their wicked ways and live?"'. vs. 32 states '"For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone"', declares the Sovereign LORD. "'Repent and live'"
I have often prayed "Lord, give me Your heart for the lost. I want to love them the way You love them."
I must say, this is not what I expected.
On the other hand, I felt the pain his family is feeling over the loss of their husband, father, and brother. They may be our enemies, but they feel his loss as deeply as we feel the loss of our loved ones.
And more importantly, I don't think this pleases God.
Ezekiel 18:23 says, '" Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?' declares the Sovereign LORD. "'Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their wicked ways and live?"'. vs. 32 states '"For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone"', declares the Sovereign LORD. "'Repent and live'"
I have often prayed "Lord, give me Your heart for the lost. I want to love them the way You love them."
I must say, this is not what I expected.
2 comments:
When I heard the news I was like,"So what? A man was killed and this is good?" Now I understand he was an enemy and caused the tradgedy of 9/11. But in my heart I heard..."Love your enemy" I cannot tell you where I got this statement- but I have lived by it for more years than I can count.
I do mourn his death as a man- not as the leader of Al Quaida.
Thank you for being so openly honest, Ginnie!
It's like taking joy in winning. When you win, someone else looses and deals with what's brought by that. I don't feel any joy about this today. The "enemy" will now want to hurt us and the wheel goes round and round. Love sharing with you Ginnie, you help keep it thoughtful and comfortable.
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