[/caption]Spectrum Magazine put up a post on reflections on the death of Osama bin Laden. I decided to post mine here. When the news flashed that President Obama was to make a speech, Then President Obama announced that Osama bin Laden, the one who was behind the 9-11 attacks on the American twin towers, had been killed.I see my jubilant sisters and brothers sing the praises of our President for his work that ended in the death of this wanted man.
Celebrations of Defeating the Symbol of Evil
The collective exhale of relief soon gave way to Christians looking at jubilation. and some questioned whether it was a valid response to celebrate the death of this one that many saw as the epitome of evil.
These individuals quickly got uncomfortable at the celebrations and soon we saw the biblical record referred to as many quoted Proverbs 24:17 telling us not to gloat over an enemy. Another Ezekiel 18:32 where god takes no pleasure in death of anyone. And of course Ezekiel 33:11 where God takes not pleasure in the death in the death of the wicked.
Bible Does Have Celebrations of Evil Defeated
Certainly there was a stark contrast between the jubilation we saw among some and these texts that call for a different response. Well then a counter attack came from other Christians with other texts. 2 Chronicles 20:27 seems to demonstrate that God's people did just that int he old Testament. I am sure that the "rejoicing over their enemas" looked a lot like what we see happening in the United States.
But at the end of the day, I just don't feel right celebrating the death of anyone. I don't feel right declaring "welcome to hell" as the Baptist minister former presidential candidate Huckabee did. I had a sense of sadness come over me after the other feelings left.
Seeing The Great Day
Is this all there is? Is this all we have to look forward to? Will we simply celebrate "payback?" After seeing the towers go down and the 3K die there. After seeing the deaths caused by the attempts to find him and the wars started in the name of finding him. After all of this, we can say "we did it." But we still find ourselves in a world where "might is right." We still find ourselves in a world where pain reins. We still have fear for our children to live in a world like we have.
I don't begrudge our sisters and brothers for celebrating the death of one who we have expended so much energy in finding. But I just hold on to that promise of a Great Day that the slaves used to sing about. I hold on to the promise of a new heaven and a new earth that the Bible writer wrote about. I hold on to the promise that my father preaches about. I hold on to the promise of a never ending peace where we won't celebrate the death of anyone...but instead will be able to celebrate the death of death itself...
I read about a 1/3 of the posts from Spectrum Magazine and began to get bit uncomfortable. In terms of the war it was necessary and expected that he would die if he were to ever be cornered. It was interesting to see so many young people display their patriotism after the news broke. As Christians I think we need to keep a safe enough distance from getting too emotionally involved in the daily activities of governments and would be usurpers. I didn't celebrate Bin Laden's death but understand the closure it brings for many; I also take note of the historical significance and continue to speculate as to what will come next. I pray for our president and all world leaders who find themselves in position to give the command to end another person's life. I actually purchased a Qu'ran shortly after 911 and confess I still do not comprehend the attraction to the Islamic faith; I also occasionally ask myelf about the possibility of any Muslims or other faiths being saved after the 2nd advent.
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