Monday, May 2, 2011

my response

Well, obviously all the world is talking about this today...

So I thought I'd share my thoughts.  You may agree or disagree, and that's okay...I'm just expressing what's been going through my mind.  Your comments are welcome, as long as they are civil.

First let me say, I am glad that this man has been brought to justice.  And I do believe that it was necessary, and for the betterment of the world that he has been removed.  That being said, I will also say that I have been sort of disheartened by the responses that I have seen on Facebook, mainly from Christian friends and acquaintances.  Not only have there been "ding dong the witch is dead!" type sentiments, but one person (not sure if  they are a believer or just a 'church-goer' type), but they literally said "rot in hell, Obama, rot in hell...".  I find this all to be shocking and sad...at least coming from Christians. 

Again, let me reiterate, I am grateful for the job our service men and women have done these many years in bringing a stop to this evil human being.  But he is still that...a human being.  One who has a soul, and who will be standing before God, answerable for all he has done.  Dare I say, one who Jesus came to give his life for...though he most obviously rejected that sacrifice.  But I wonder, has anyone paused to think what Jesus reaction is to the demise of Bin Laden?  Somehow, my guess is that he isn't doing a jig, gleefully shouting "to hell with you!".  Is that his fate?  My speculation would certainly be yes, but I am not the judge of souls (fortunate for us all!!!).  God's character and heart is justice.  And I think, that to the degree that our human limitations allow us, a measure of justice has been served Bin Laden by our armed forces.   God will see to the rest.  But if we, as Christians, are called to be Christ-like, my question is, what should our response be?

Here's my opinion.  I think we can be glad for justice, without being 'gleeful' at the destruction of another human being.  It's easy for us, all too easy, I think, because in our minds, we have dehumanized this man, and only view him as the face of evil - a 'concept' more than a person.  And understandably so.  (And I certainly do hope that this helps give a sense of justice, and maybe some bit of closure to the many victims of this man's atrocities.)  But, as Christians, I think more is required of us.  I think that we should at the very least approach this all with a sense of seriousness, and weightiness knowing that one who Jesus gave his life for chose to reject his grace, and will suffer the consequences.  When I, as a parent, have to punish my child, even for the most severe infraction, knowing that I have no other choice, and it is the right and just thing to do, I am never doing it with rejoicing, never with a feeling of "well, he got what he deserved!".  Shouldn't we at least have a sense of somber understanding that but for the immeasurable grace of God, we ourselves would face the same fate?  I think we would do well to remember that "ALL we like sheep have gone astray...but the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us ALL...".  In comparison, and in earthly terms, we surely can look like the 'good guys'.  We like to think of ourselves as that one lost lamb that the shepherd would leave the 99 to go find.  But not a terrorist.  No, certainly Jesus wouldn't want that dirty, filthy, stinky lamb...right?  Doesn't it at least give you pause...doesn't something feel uncomfortable within you to think happily about someone going to hell??? 

I guess I just think maybe we need a reality check.  Maybe we need to remember and reflect on the depth of God's grace for us, and then also remember that it's not for us alone.  Someone, in a Facebook thread, posted the following verse, that I found to be very fitting; a good glimpse of what God's perspective is, and maybe a bit of what should be stirring in our hearts...maybe a little less rejoicing that 'we got him', and rather more passion to see those who remain turn away from such evil ways.
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, people of Israel?’  ~Ezekiel 33:11
Just my two cents...

7 comments:

Laura said...

love love love it.

Julie said...

Very well said. I've been arguing with my own sister about whether or not we should be rejoicing! As Laura said, "Love, love, love it!"
Great post!

Denise said...

I agree with you. I cringe when I hear some of the stuff being said.

Scott said...

Good thoughts, Jess. Thanks for not beating us over the head with scripture (as seems to be the reciprocal response of many Christians to the rejoicing over OBL's demise). I, too, am glad this terrorist has been removed from the picture, and thankful to our military. However, I am somewhat conflicted within myself concerning how I feel, how I SHOULD feel, and the ramifications worldwide of American citizens rejoicing over his silencing in much the same way the those of the violent and Satanically misguided ideology of Islam have been shown doing when Christians, Jews and other so-called infidels (according to them) are killed en-mass. I worry about the retaliation of those fanatics, against both us here in the west and in Israel. But God knows the situation and all concerned. And He is still in control!

Zoanna said...

Well said, Jessi. I share your viewpoint. We all deserve hell; it just seems easier to think that we are more lovable to God than bin Laden or Hitler. I am beyond thankful that this heinous criminal has been hunted down, but unless he repented and trusted in Christ before his death, he died an enemy of God, and the judgment he will receive makes him most pitiable. I'm not rejoicing except in the sense that America (as Bush promised) has helped victims' families of 9/11 to maybe feel a sense of victorY???

Angela said...

Thanks Jess. I have a lot of unexpected sadness about the whole thing...it could be because Rob Bell has changed my perspective on that one.

Krisie said...

Very well said, Jessi. Also liked the quote a friend put on facebook too...
"I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."
~Martin Luther King, Jr