Osama Bin Laden. Dead. Being outside of the U.S. and hearing news like this gives you a different, yet strange perspective. It's hard to explain, but you lack the refuge of the understanding of fellow Americans. It's like you don't belong where you are, but I know I don't belong in the States right now either. In between a little bit. I woke up to the news this morning shocked. I have many mixed thoughts and emotions. But one thought seems to consistently come to the front of my mind. Bin Laden's eternity has been determined and this reality brings tears to my eyes when I think about another lost soul won over by our ultimate enemy, Satan.
Did this man hear about the wonderous love of my Christ? Did anyone tell him that the Creator of the world deeply loves him and desires to know him intimately? Did anyone tell him that he can never earn his salvation, and because of this Jesus died for him? Did anyone ever show him this courageous, unconditional love?
His life seemed fairly defined by hate. Hate against many types of people. Hate against different religions. His hate was what fueled the horrific things he did. But what of love? What of the cleansing power of the love I know? Did he even have the chance to really know what that means?
From facebook statuses, tweets, and the news there are strong reactions all around. Applauding of our government for what happened. Joy at the death of man who has been labeled a monster. And a concern of the eternal significance this has. God has granted this victory over this enemy. Do not be confused by that. The Lord has allowed for the U.S. to be used in this victory, but only God is in control of victory over evil. Let us not give praise first to President Obama or to our military. The praise is His alone. The one true God, not whatever god you want to pray to.
Let us also remember that God does not desire that any perish. And Christ came and died for those that hated him. He showed us what it truly meant to have love for our enemies. God raises up leaders and brings them down, but He desires for man to be reconciled to Himself. His word clearly says that He desires for the wicked to turn back to him! Not to perish separated from him. (Ezekiel 18:23)
In this world Osama is dead. But he is facing an eternity right now. Many of you may say, "He deserves what he gets!" I would agree and say, yes, he deserves hell. But I also deserve hell as do you. Have we forgotten that? Eternal damnation and separation from God is all any of us deserves. Oh but the love that HE has! The love that went beyond ourselves to reach out to us.
We are the carriers of this beautiful message. May we share it boldly because there are more and will be more Osama Bin Laden's in this world. Those who we consider our enemies. Those who carry so much hate. But who knows? What if the redeeming love of Christ had been shared with this man? How then would he have used his power and influence for the Gospel? Hate is an easy reaction to these things and an easy choice. Love, however, demands courage and will cost us everything. The power of this love is worth everything we have.
Walk in courageous love,
Taryn
Well said and completely agree on every level!
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