Justice

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. . . .  For he is God’s minister to you for good.  But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil (Romans 13:3a,4, NKJV).

            You will probably remember for a long time where you were when you heard the news of the death of Osama Bin Laden.  Around eleven o’clock in the evening on Sunday, May 1, 2011, the news spread around the world that the arch-enemy of America, the face of evil and terrorism, Bin Laden, had been assassinated by a special forces unit of our military.

            It is interesting that the responses of Americans have been varied.  While most have welcomed the news, some have questioned why any should celebrate the death of an individual.  However, it must be noted that justice was served yesterday.  Bin Laden met his expected end.  Bin Laden will face even more justice when the ungodly (without a relationship to God through Jesus Christ) will be summoned before the Great White Throne of God to answer for their deeds.  Such a moment looms ahead for any who live outside God’s grace expressed in Jesus Christ. 

            Should we celebrate Bin Laden’s death?  Maybe.  But it should be a sober celebration.  We should remember our Lord’s admonition: “But unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).