This past month, we witnessed the end of an era in American politics and world relations. Just as I will always remember my circumstances when I first heard of the destruction of the World Trade Center Towers on September 11, 2001, I will also remember what I was doing on the evening of May 1, 2011, when I first heard of the death of Osama bin Laden.
The morning of September 11, I woke up in Duncan, OK in a motel room with my parents, the day after my grandma's funeral. Her passing was not unexpected, but nonetheless it was a tough day. I was handling it relatively well, I think, but then we got the news of the first tower falling. After turning on the news, we watched the second tower fall. I remember being totally baffled, trying to wrap my mind around what happened. I rode back to New Mexico with my brother's family that day, trying to comprehend everything.
Obviously, the last ten years have been tumultuous, and much of it has been blamed on the catalyst that was 9/11/01. We witnessed at least two wars directly linked to the terrorist attacks, both justified and not. We witnessed our president making bold, seemingly justifiable statements (at that time, at least) about the purpose of these conflicts. We also saw his confession that the war in Iraq was based on faulty intelligence (side-note: whether you like Bush43 or not, you should at least consider the guts it took to admit his massive mistakes and miscalculation. Would you have the intestinal fortitude to publicly apologize?). After losing almost 3000 innocent lives on 9/11, thousands more were lost in the pursuit of the leadership of the terror networks who claimed responsibility. It was most definitely a humbling era, compounded with an economic downturn that has been compared most closely with the toughest era in American history. It's been a rough decade.
On May 1, many were rejoicing on the lawn of the White House after the announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden. Just as I remember where I was on September 11, I'll likely always remember the circumstances of that night. In contrast to almost ten years earlier, the circumstances were remarkably normal: Allison received a text from her mom that bin Laden was reportedly killed. What were we doing? Giving our daughter a bath. Something we do every night. As typical as it gets.
So where am I going with this? I'm glad you asked! Even as we anticipated and experienced some of the worst of life through the last ten years, life went on. Even now, though, I have a really hard time rejoicing in a terrorist's death. Will this end the battle? Only the ignorant would say yes. Too many lives have been lost already, and the war continues.
On May 7, I read from the devotional Bible I've been going through this year, a one-year Bible with daily commentary from the "Prince of Preachers," Charles Haddon Spurgeon. I have always enjoyed reading his work because of his ever-present passion for Christ and love for His infallible Word, the Bible. On that day, Spurgeon addressed the death of King Saul (the first human king of Israel), and David's (his God-appointed successor) response. You see, Saul knew God had removed His blessing from his reign as king, and that David had received that blessing. In response, Saul's heart hardened and he lived his life in pursuit of David. David, being a man of God, refused to respond in wrath. He had multiple opportunities to end Saul's life by his own hand, but saw the Lord's anointing on Saul as king as a sign of protection upon him. Eventually Saul killed himself instead of falling at the hands of Israel's enemies. A member of the enemy camp, the Amalekites, eventually made his way to David and took credit for Saul's death (2 Samuel 1). He definitely did not expect the response he received: David ordered his execution for taking the life of the Lord's anointed.
Harsh? Well, yeah. Seriously, wouldn't you be happy about your strongest enemy being destroyed? Spurgeon made an interesting statement in regard to David's response: "The man of God felt no joy in his enemy's death, neither will a gracious heart ever rejoice in the misfortune of others, however cruelly they may have acted." There is much more application and background to be addressed from the story of David and Saul, but this statement sums up the principle of the story very well.
This message, from a different time, era, and covenant, shows us the principle of grace in a very unique manner. While the death of Osama bin Laden is quite significant in our national history, rejoicing in it is quite erroneous. Did it need to happen? Yes. Was it justified through his behavior? Most definitely. Do I believe he deserved a trial? Nope. He had already admitted that the blood was on his hands.
So what justifies this? The New Testament teaches that "the government bears the sword" (Romans 13, 1 Peter 2) and that we are to be subject to governing authorities appointed by God. Our government clearly had the right and responsibility to defend and avenge its people.
But I can't rejoice. Osama bin Laden verbally and vehemently rejected Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that those who reject Christ spend eternity in Hell. Not a thing to rejoice.
The fighting will not end until the return of our Lord. I pray that my witness of His grace will show that there is still time, RIGHT NOW, to return to Him. I can't rejoice in the death of my enemy. The cost has been too great. But, as a human, I am thankful that this particular wrong has been avenged. Yet, the war rages on.
Life has continued since 2001. I started and finished seminary. Allison started and finished her master's. We moved to Texas. We moved to Colorado. We experienced the agony of a miscarriage and losing my dad. We experienced the joy of becoming parents, and celebrated our daughter's first birthday the day before bin Laden's death. Life moves on. There will be joy and sadness. And God's grace is still available for you.
My prayers are for God's grace to shower your life through Jesus Christ and the peace He offers your soul.
Peace,
Greg
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