Don't forget, this wasn't just the death of a symbol but the death of a human, a broken man who needed grace in the same way I do -Author Unknown




Today marks a strange day in U.S. history. Osama bin Laden was killed early this morning during a raid by U.S. Navy Seals.  It has been almost 10 years now since that awful morning of September 11, 2001 and I remember it so clearly, although I don't think my 7th-grade mind understood the implications held by that fateful day. But now, after almost 10 years, for so many of the lives that have been shattered and ripped apart by the burning of those two towers, justice has been served.  However, something is unsettling to me.  I see the numerous facebook statuses reading phrases such as:

"All of my Middle Eastern friends are celebrating the death of Osama" 
"So, what will they do with his body now? Stuff it? Put it on display?"
"If you are not happy about that then there is a problem" 



After an entire morning of debating how I feel about this joyful, celebratory attitude that seems to be so present, I must say that I disagree with it.  Do not misunderstand me.  He was evil and I am glad he is gone.  I believe Satan comes in all forms and that Osama bin Laden made a very comfortable home for the Enemy to take up residence.  I am relieved and thankful that he will no longer be able to hurt anyone, for the potential disbanding of al Qaeda because of his death, and for one less evil in our world.  However, I cannot celebrate the death of a human being, especially one whom I can fairly confidently assume is not spending eternity with our Father. For lack of ability to properly to express what I feel, I will turn it over to more adequate writers: 

Proverbs 24:17
"Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he is overthrown.

Ezekiel 18:23 

"

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?"

Ezekiel 33:11 

 "Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live."