"Do Not Let Your Heart Rejoice"

As I heard the news last night and then during the day today of how our enemy Osama Bin Laden was killed, I must say I have been disturbed by the reactions of many American Christians…including myself at times. There was a part of me that wanted to rejoice because this voice of hatred has now been silenced…I was proud of our soldiers who executed the operation, but make no mistake, I don’t believe this will ever satisfy the families of the nearly 3000 who died on 9/11…but then I am not personally attached to any of the 9/11 martyrs. However, I am personally attached to Jesus Christ who calls His followers to act and react in a certain way and not simply follow our emotions. Proverbs 24:17 says, “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice.” I was reminded of reading that verse today and searched for it as I watched those who celebrated his death through the night and throughout the day today. I am as much a patriot as anyone, but more than American, I am a Christian and my faith says that the Righteous Judge will judge Bin Laden, and neither I nor all of America is qualified to do that. Perhaps Martin Luther King Jr. said it best. "I 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."