Lately I have been thinking a lot about vengeance with the recent assassination of Osama Bin Laden. I saw many of my friends rejoicing in his death. And I wonder is it only me that does not see this as a solution to the problem (I have found it is not)? Since when is vengeance a solution? To find this one man many innocent died, and in killing this one man, I am positive only more hate can be generated. This can be the small hate sparked by a small, seemingly insignificant facebook status' but it will snowball. Many see Osama's death as a victory for Americans, but I wonder what was the cost of this 'victory'.
"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord" - Romans 12:19 (Deuteronomy 32:35 is Paul's here in Romans).
Many people die everyday in hate fuelled wars, genocide, and instead of mourning the loss of them, instead of standing up for peace and justice. We rejoice in the death of one man. Many around the world are dying of AIDS, or do not have clean drinking water or enough food to eat and yet our focus is on one man. We see it as justified because he orchestrated the killing of many, but how many were killed in attempts to kill him? How much money was spent on this one man, and for what, one moment of relief in which will be quickly followed by more hate, and distress. Are we not the same as this one man for the destruction we have caused? I refuse to rejoice in the death of one man, but will instead mourn the death and pay respect to the many that were lost in the process, both soldiers and civilians and continue to pursue and pray for peace, true justice, and be thankful for God's great grace.
"Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?... For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!" - Ezekiel 18: 23; 32.
- T.
 |
| CNN - U.S. deaths in Iraq |
The first is a count of the soldiers that have been killed, the second gives a total number including those from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Some great thoughts! I totally agree. I just never thought of some of those points. I have totally felt a conviction not to rejoice over anyone's death. I do believe in war and I believe justice was made in the killing of Osama. But I think its disgusting when Christians rejoice and throw parties because someone is dead. It is terribly sad that he didn't know the Lord.
ReplyDeleteAnyways keep on keepin' it real T
We should call you "realiTina"...
Phil
Thanks Phil, I would agree and disagree with a couple things in this comment but that is not important! I appreciate your comment, and that you took the time to read it ! With the same heart Christ rejoices in those who choose to follow Him and mourns those whom He has lost, no matter the sin.
ReplyDelete- T.