Hey Guys,
I've had a few interesting discussions concerning the death of Osama Bin Laden this week. Most are generally happy that justice has been served, but I wonder...has it really? The lives that were lost or irreparably damaged by this man will never be restored in this lifetime. Don't get me wrong, the death of an evil man who plots the death of innocents and teaches other to do likewise is a good thing. Earthly justice serves the necessary dual purposes of remedial/correction and preventing those so inclined from doing more evil. I guess I just do not like the smug "we won, they lost" attitude I see here and there.
We so easily forget that justice and judgment is God's territory and not man's. God's judgment doesn't pit the guilty against the innocent, nor one nation against another; rather, it pits the sins of every human being against Himself. Bin Laden's sins will be judged before God in the courts of heaven, even as mine will be someday. God's judgment and decrees are perfect as every sin we've ever committed from infancy till death are either overlooked by the mercy of His Son, or brought into the spotlight as evidence of our treason against Him. God's justice is greater not only because of his righteousness and moral perfection, but because His is a justice of mercy, moreover His justice WILL undo the damages done in ways the federal judicial system never could.
So concerning the wrongs done to us, wherever possible let us wait on the judgment of the Lord instead of taking matters into our own hands. This is the only way we could possibly love our enemies and turn the other cheek, as we know the judgment they are facing and for fear of their souls and out of pity and mercy, beg them to repent. Encouragement for the week, let the justice of God have a bearing on how we do life and how we do forgiveness.
Have a happy Wednesday!
Edward
"You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?" Matthew 18:32-33
"Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" Romans 12:17-19
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God...Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval...but if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoers." Romans 13:1-4
"He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'" Revelation 21:3-5
Mean owner teases poor dog...=(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGeKSiCQkPw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
