A few thoughts on the death of Osama bin Laden.

  • God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Yet God also laughs at man’s rebellious attempts, Islamic or otherwise, to overthrow the supremacy of the Lord Jesus. I don’t want to get carried away with glee over the death of an evil man, but as a redeemed sinner I can smile today in the knowledge that God’s justice is sure.
  • Bin Laden’s death day was divinely appointed, after a long life of violence and hatred, and despite a superpower’s best efforts to kill him for almost ten years. God does permit such evil men to live on. Still:

Truly You set them in slippery places;
You make them fall to ruin.
How they are destroyed in a moment,
swept away utterly by terrors! (Psalm 73)

  • Thinking back to that September 11, would anyone have predicted that the US would fall to its knees—not to terrorists, but to creditors? The nation’s finances have become the greatest threat to Americans’ national security. Bin Laden’s death is significant but this triumph will be quickly forgotten.
  • How awesome are the elite soldiers of Seal Team Six! Supported by tireless intelligence work, their brave assault produced a stunning victory. The operation was meticulously executed by men honed by the daily grind of disciplined training. There are no casual weekend reservists on this team. These men are on-mission.

Onward, Christian what?

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About Ben Kwok

Ben is part of a church plant team establishing the Rouse Hill Church. He holds a Master of Divinity degree. Ben and his wife Diahanna live in Sydney, Australia with their four young children.

10 Comments

  1. David Lumpy Milson 4 May, 2011 at 10:32 am - Reply

    I am one of those who thinks that it was a fake killing staged by the Yanks. I think they went to the moon to film it! If you look at the flag etc. etc.

  2. JANE 4 May, 2011 at 12:11 pm - Reply

    I’m with you, Lumpy. Why did they have to bury the body at sea? In the olden days they would have cut off his head and put it on the city gate. Then there could be no questions about the truth!

  3. David Lumpy Milson 4 May, 2011 at 2:12 pm - Reply

    It was actually Elvis they shot! He was using a Peanut Butter and Bacon sandwich as a shield.

  4. Ben Kwok 4 May, 2011 at 4:21 pm - Reply

    After 9/11 I remember reading a church bulletin warning about bin Laden’s relatives: “Not Bin Praying,” “Not Bin Tithing,” “Bin Lazy,” etc.

  5. Robert 4 May, 2011 at 9:11 pm - Reply

    good article Ben,

    this whole episode is a very strong argument in favour of eternal punishment

    the US could only kill Osama once in return for all the thousands of lives he was responsible for taking.

    only an eternal God can punish sin fully-and that takes all eternity

  6. Al 6 May, 2011 at 7:17 am - Reply

    Romans 12:19.

  7. Ben 6 May, 2011 at 3:28 pm - Reply

    How do you think that verse applies in this situation, Al?

  8. Al 6 May, 2011 at 3:49 pm - Reply

    Might post further later if I’m bothered but it was the first thing that came to mind as I read the newspaper that was pictured in this article.

  9. Al 6 May, 2011 at 6:52 pm - Reply

    Now to reply a bit more fully. The tone of this post is what would be expected of an Americanized Christianity. Firstly, you equate a man’s attacking of the US with trying to overthrow the supremacy of Christ. Secondly, you state that you are trying not get carried away with glee over a man’s death, I would imagine a response that is more like Christ’s over Jerusalem would’ve been more appropriate. Thirdly, you post a newspaper that states “Vengeance at last! US nails the bastard”. This to me seems to be showing indirect approval of a nation high fiving itself after getting OBL back. Hence Romans 12:19 was the first response that came to mind. Lastly, well, not related to your article but rather the comments here. Cutting off someone’s head and displaying it is barbaric. I find it quite distasteful one would even joke about it.

    Anyways, that’s all I got to say.

  10. Ben Kwok 6 May, 2011 at 10:44 pm - Reply

    hi Alen, didn’t recognise you at first.

    Happy to respond and take your comment as final unless you decide otherwise.

    If you personally believe Romans 12:19 is true, and that God will indeed hold you accountable for your life — then we all are sinners in the hands of an angry God, since our offences are many and grievous. I trust in Christ’s atonement for my sins. cf. John 3:36.

    Anyway — 1) bin Laden was more than anti-American, he was anti-Christian. 2) I did not say I was *trying* not to get carried away etc., but that I *don’t want to* — in other words, to avoid it. (sorry if not initially clear) 3) I posted the pic simply to show people’s strong sentiment. I’m certainly not the Judge.

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