So today is complicated, and I'm going to get super-spiritual here on my blog today which I rarely do. I think my loyal blog readers know who I am and where I stand spiritually so there's no need to shove my theology in people's face or preach sermons...
But today, it hurts my heart a little to see so many people celebrating that Bin Laden is in hell.
Don't get me wrong. I'm glad he's gone! I'm ECSTATIC that he is unable now to destroy any more lives. I don't wish him well, and yes I believe he's in hell, but I think as a Christian, it's wrong for us to ever celebrate a soul going there.
We can celebrate that he's gone, and celebrate that his particular, personal, unique threat is over (though I'm sure the war is not over and I'm equally sure there will be more terrorist attempts than ever in retaliation) but we aren't supposed to be happy he's burning in hell or bragging about the fact he is.
That's a hard pill to swallow, especially for people who were very personally, directly affected by 9/11.
Does that make sense? He was still a soul (an extremely scary, misguided soul) but Jesus directed us to pray for our enemies. I strongly disagree with Huckabee's public statement "Welcome to hell, Bin Laden". I understand the need to celebrate justice but as a Christian, there's a fine line. And maybe others aren't convicted in this area, and if you're not, I don't mean to offend. But I believe this to be truth.
Yeah its kinda funny to read all the clever FB posts about Bin Laden finding out his 72 virgins don't exist, and it eases this new level of tension over the coming unknown to laugh, but politicians and public figures publicly saying things like "welcome to hell" in a serious statement...I don't get it.
However, I couldn't help but post a snarky FB post earlier about "Wonder where Rob Bell would say Bin Laden is today..." =P which is more of a snark on Bell than anything else. Snarky, yet I mean it at the same time - what would he say? I've been following Bell's new book "Love Wins" and all the controversy there about its content and theology, (exhausting!) and here's the thing. Regardless of whether or not Bell believes there is an everlasting hell...there IS. Because the Bible says so. And somehow I just don't think Bell was given special revelations that contradict the Bible. ::eye roll::
Okay, climbing off soapbox now.
Bottom line - I'm just glad that God is our ultimate Judge and all vengeance goes through Him. I'm glad that's not my decision. And maybe if I had someone personally related to me die in 9/11, this would be harder for me to write. I'm not trying to diminish anyone's pain and I completely, totally understand that burning need for revenge and justice when innocent people are hurt or killed.
Just be careful not to sin in your celebration.
That said... GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! :)
10 comments:
You're right betsy, I just got off Facebook before I read your post & was laughing a little! God weeps over sin by anyone & that includes Bin Laden.
Also, major shout outs & respect for US intel & Navy Seals!!!!! I watched a documentary on Navy Seals training & these guys are of the utmost athleticism, strength, & precision it's outstanding! And look how the Lord blessed with none of them hurt
Good thoughts, Betsy! The Rob Bell reference still made me snicker...
I completely agree with you. It's a hard thing to work through right now. I'm really glad we got him, and that he's dead, but I wish he could just be "gone" and not in hell. Because if you understand hell, it's hard to wish that on anyone.
At the same time, it does bother me that some people are completely sad about the situation. Because I do think we should support our military and celebrate. But still not celebrate the hell part.
Hm. Now I'm confusing myself. You put it all very eloquently, soapbox and all. =)
Thanks ladies! Its a complicated topic. I agree, Sarah, we should DEFINITELY rejoice in God's blessing on our country and for this victory! And pray for His protection to come. And we should also remember that GOD led us in this battle, and keep Him in the equation - otherwise we risk "big heads" about the US and might make room for pride to go before a fall. Yes, America is awesome, but that's because of God as well! :)
Very well said! Actually, my first feeling when I heard of this was, "wow, so sad, this person lived this horrible life and now he dies horribly for it". I honestly feel sad for him. But when I started thinking of the lives he wouldn't kill, I felt like crying of joy. Like you said, it's complicated. But God is our judge!
Yes, yes, a thousand times YES!!
Betsy, so glad you wrote here today. I agree with you. Today, I'm feeling relieved that he is no longer a threat to innocent people who don't follow his personal beliefs but at the same time; I am saddened because he was created by the same God that created me and Jesus died for All.
I read somewhere else today, someone had the thought of "how generous it was for God to allow him almost ten years to repent"...another interesting concept!
I celebrate justice, but will not rejoice in this man's death. God is the ultimate judge. His death doesn't bring back the nearly 3000 people we lost on 9/11. But maybe those families can rest a little easier knowing this particular man is gone. Undoubtedly, though, there will be more to follow in his footsteps. We can only continue to trust God and keep shining our light in the darkest of places.
Great post! Makes me glad I'm not on FB. Yes, rejoicing that OBL's particular threat is gone is fine, but rejoicing over a tormented soul is a completely different thing.
I've been thinking about this all day as I've read tweet after tweet from Christians who are rejoicing over the fact that he is in Hell. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks it's wrong to rejoice over that.
Post a Comment