3 May, 2011
Closure
Americans celebrated early Monday in a show of patriotism against the man who committed his life to attacking U.S. citizens, while those directly affected by Osama bin Laden's terrorist plots quietly reflected on the closure finally gained from his death.
There were also more raucous celebrations going on at ground zero, including groups of young local men waving flags and chanting "USA! USA!"
"It took 10 years, but the fact that it happened today, we're all rejoicing," one of them told CNN, adding that "everybody in America" was celebrating the death of bin Laden.
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association hailed the "annihilation" of bin Laden as "triumphant news."
"I would say, 'May God have mercy on his hideous soul,' but I don't think he had one," the organization's president, Jon Adler, said.
Excerpted from CNN.com; photo courtesy of Reuters
Ezekiel 18:23
“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 ways and live?”
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about our reaction to death?
When I saw the report on Sunday night of the death of Bin Laden, I had a wide range of emotions, from relief to grief. Surely, this man reaped the destruction that he sowed, and many have found closure and justice in his death. But wouldn’t you agree that a far better ending would have been for him to have turned from his evil ways and repented? God has made His forgiveness and grace available to all who do so. Yet to know he has perished does not please God and should not be a pleasing thought to anyone who is a follower of Christ. The elimination of his evil influence is definitely something to find relief in, but he most certainly did have a soul, and one that God longed to save.
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture to my life?
We need to remain humble in the wake of this historic news. We are all sinners, and though the death of this one man brings closure to many who were directly impacted by his actions since September 11, 2001 and is considered a victory for the U.S. military, the eternal loss of any soul is not a victory for God.
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture and my story to others?
We are witnessing an important moment in the history of our world. For years to come, you and those around you will remember your reaction to this news. What if, as those who identify with Jesus, instead of giving high-fives over the death of Bin Laden, we shared our sorrow in the reality of anyone spending an eternity in hell and used the opportunity to share the urgent message of salvation with our friends? The impact of our actions could be eternal.
- May 2012 [14]
- April 2012 [19]
- March 2012 [21]
- February 2012 [19]
- January 2012 [18]
- December 2011 [20]
- November 2011 [15]
- October 2011 [15]
- September 2011 [14]
- August 2011 [22]
- July 2011 [19]
- June 2011 [21]
- May 2011 [20]
- April 2011 [20]
- March 2011 [21]
- February 2011 [20]
- January 2011 [21]
- December 2010 [21]
- November 2010 [21]
- October 2010 [21]
- September 2010 [22]
- August 2010 [21]
- July 2010 [22]
- June 2010 [20]
- May 2010 [18]
- April 2010 [20]
- March 2010 [23]
- February 2010 [19]
- January 2010 [22]
- December 2009 [22]
- November 2009 [21]
- October 2009 [22]
- September 2009 [21]
- August 2009 [20]
- July 2009 [21]
- June 2009 [22]
- May 2009 [18]
- April 2009 [15]
- March 2009 [7]
- February 2009 [17]
- January 2009 [20]
- December 2008 [23]
- November 2008 [19]
- October 2008 [22]
- September 2008 [22]
- August 2008 [19]
- July 2008 [22]
- June 2008 [11]
- May 2008 [19]
- April 2008 [22]
- March 2008 [21]
- February 2008 [18]
- January 2008 [20]
- December 2007 [18]
- November 2007 [15]
- October 2007 [19]
- September 2007 [18]
- August 2007 [12]
- July 2007 [12]
- June 2007 [9]
- May 2007 [11]
- April 2007 [10]
- March 2007 [11]
- February 2007 [14]
- January 2007 [7]
- December 2006 [4]
- November 2006 [13]
- October 2006 [17]
- September 2006 [11]
- August 2006 [16]
- July 2006 [10]
- June 2006 [3]
