Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Justice Done?

In recent headlines, we read a quote from our President saying 'Justice has been done'. But has it really? Oh it makes us feel better to say that. It even makes many feel better to know that 1 more leader of terror has been removed from this planet.

But how can we say justice is done by us when it was God that said "vengeance is mine"? Then Jesus comes along and commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves and love our enemies.

Justice is done when one brings an end to an oppressive or repulsive situation. Bin Laden's death does not bring an end to terrorist attacks. In fact it probably will now escalate it. How do we as a 'nation under God' justify putting a bullet to the head of another man? Why do we dance in the city streets over a death of anyone? Was Bin Laden not also made in the image of God? He was human, right? I certainly do not support or advocate what his life stood for and yes what he did was totally wrong, but we can not call it justice if we kill someone for killing others.

I also want to say that I support and appreciate our military when it comes to defending our nation and keeping us safe and I am grateful to be living in this country. So before you older baby boomers call me a Commi-fag or draft dodger or some other antique term, know that I love this country, but we are not the Judge or the world police. And as a follower of Jesus Christ I cannot celebrate a man's death and call it justice.

Psalm 11:5 says, "The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates." Some of the recent events by our own land reminds me of Ezekiel 22:27 when speaking of the sins of Israel, "Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain. They say, 'This is what the Lord says'-when the Lord has not spoken."

I do not have all the answers to this sensitive matter. I am far from being settled but I am seeking the whole council of God concerning this rather than selecting a couple of key verses that support my opinion. And right now this is where God has me in search of more understanding of His will in all of these world concerns.

Where do you stand on this? Can you defend your position or are you merely mimicking what you hear? Do you even care? Are you searching the Word for answers or just being mesmerized by your favorite news channel?

I just know this. In the end times, things are not to get better, but rather more challenging here on earth. So to expect total peace this side of heaven seems like a dream. But if we can learn to live and love one another locally and globally, we can get a glimpse of what it may be like "on earth as it is in heaven."