16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him."
If you grew up in a Church; or even occasionally went to vacation Bible school in the summers, chances are you've heard at least John 3:16. But what do those words mean? What parent would be willing to let their child die, even if it was to save the whole world? and what child would be willing to do that? Not only that, but take a close look at John 3:17 "17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." Not only did God send His only Son to save us, He sent Him without condemnation! I am floored by the magnitude of this act!
As a child, when hearing this verse it was just another verse. I didn't really understand the words, but as an adult; they are becoming more and more clear to me. I know that I'm not a parent yet; but I AM a wife, and as a wife I can tell you that I wouldn't give up my husband to save anyone (even myself) and I didn't give birth to him! I can tell you also that if, for some reason, my husband did die to save someone; I would be on a judgement rampage! I know that I wouldn't be able to sit back and actually love the person who did that to him, as God has loved each and every one of us who put Jesus on that cross!
I hadn't intended to write about this, but I've been struggling with these thoughts for the past 24 hours. It was announced late Sunday evening that some brave seals were able to eliminate Osama Bin Laden. Now, I live in America and as most of the world knows; as a country, we rejoiced about that fact. My first thoughts were "is it real?" and then it hit me. If it IS real, how should I feel about it? If God loved the world enough to send His Son to die for us, ALL of us, then how should I feel about one of God's precious lambs dying; seemingly without ever knowing the Lord? I can tell you this, it made me nervous instead of elated. Don't get me wrong, the man had done some evil things and taken lives where he shouldn't have, but does that it make it right that we should take his life? I'm speaking purely from a faith view here; I understand justice and that it was served here, but how should I view that through a faith life?
I saw a quote on Facebook last night that was penned by one Ms. Jessica Dovey and happened to go viral. Part of her status was from her heart, and part was a direct quote from Martian Luther King, Jr. I agree so much with the quote that I will post it here. I thought to only post the MLK part; but it was really Ms. Dovey's heartfelt thoughts that grabbed me. Her status read
I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. "Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." MLK Jr. (I've added the italics and boldness to try and help lower the confusion). Ms. Dovey has hit the nail on the head for me. I mourn those poor, poor victims of 9-11, and just can't imagine how their families have coped with this whole thing. I am so very proud of each and every one of the soldiers who have taken part (be it on home soil or foreign soil) in the fight against terrorism as well, but I can not rejoice over the death of one. When I first read that thought I wanted to scream, YES, that is how I feel too! I have felt that rejoicing in Bin Laden's death would almost negate the mourning I've done for the thousands who have died as a direct result of him.
I am not sure how to express my thoughts on this clearly, so I'll stop trying; but I do know that Jesus died for him as well as me; and I can never forget that. While I read my Bible every morning, I have to come to grips with war on a regular basis; God has used war and I'm sure He still does. However, Jesus changed everything. Jesus was about love, not judgement; and I have to look at this situation through my Jesus filter. It's lame to think "what would Jesus do?" but I really need to think that, and act accordingly. Jesus would mourn for Mr. Bin Laden, if he did indeed die without knowing the amazing grace of God. Jesus would welcome him into His arms if Mr. Bin Laden manged to make his peace with God before he died. How can I do any less?
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