The actions of yesterday

 

Last night snow fell softly upon the trees and grass, covering the fragile new plants which had sprung up under early springtime sun with downy white. We nestled up warm within the house. Children were read stories and tucked into bed. Tea was made. Covers pulled soft and cozy upon my lap. 

I settled in for my nightly ritual. Reading, tweeting, blogging.  The screen of my laptop lit up with a warm glow as a kitten settled at my feet.  

What I read startled me.

There was a late- night announcement coming from our President.

The online world was pulsing with life, speculation and suspicion.

Rumors said an evil man had been killed.

For ten long years people had mourned and remembered. Over ten long years 100 billion was spent in the search. Through ten long years we speculated and waited as our Presidents promised, hunted and failed.  After devastating loss was wrought on our country under the leadership of one man, so thousands of good men lost their lives in his pursuit. This was the moment we had been waiting for.

The President made his victory speech. Our world was shocked.

And revelry began.

Yet something felt amiss.  The joy in Osama Bin Laden's death was empty, for in this defeat his spirit was damned.  There were no more chances. No opportunities for his salvation. The Christian community was stunned. Battle broke forth.  Do we have the right to kill our enemy?  Do his wrongs make our actions against him right? And is it ever appropriate to celebrate another's death?

I don't know the answers, I have my opinions, But one thing is clear:

In our victory his soul was lost. And for that I mourn.

Comments

[Simply Smitten]

I've been so happy to read posts such as this, and thankfully I've read several. I thought I was the only one saddened by our nations reactions to the murder of another human being. I saw it as no cause for celebration, and turned off the radio after hearing the Star Spangled Banner played over and over. Hate only breeds hate. Thanks for sharing! :)

[Howie Campbell]

I don't understand Christians rejoicing in bin Laden's death. I generally agree with the statements above. However, I realize that justice was served. Jesus made it clear governments wield the sword for that very purpose. One of the most common misconceptions of God's love is that he will not consign His creatures to and eternal hell. They fail to realize that justice is the other side of the mercy coin. To have true justice, transgression must be paid for. Mercy gives the transgressor what he does not deserve. Mercy is love used judiciously or extravagantly at the mercy givers discretion. Our government sought to end the continued bloodshed at the hands of this man, understanding, I'm sure, that there are many others just like him. The evil has not ended with bin Laden's death. It is certain he will not kill again. The sad truth is, he has made his choice where to spend eternity and there are no more opportunities to reach him.
So, let us work diligently to represent Jesus faithfully so that those we meet will have the opportunity to love God fervently.

[Pepper Glenn]

What an apt expression of the opportunity for love that is lost when an enemy dies. Nothing is gained. Plenty of other enemies still abound. And perhaps by showcasing our strength we have really weakened our selves.

[Melissa]

Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him. Proverbs 24:17-18

Another friend posted this earlier today.

[Melissa]

"I 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" -MLK, Jr.

A friend posted this on FB a moment ago. It fits how I feel.