Today's readings are from Isaiah 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
On a day when the U.S. can announce that it has finally found and dealt with Osama Bin Laden, I found myself reading the prophet Isaiah's warnings about the nature of evil and the justice of God. It was actually quite "eerie" to read these words. I've read them many times before and the impact has never hit me like it did this morning.
The 14th chapter is directed at Israel's enemies, the Babylonians. Isaiah 14:3-4 (NLT)
3 In that wonderful day when the LORD gives his people rest from sorrow and fear, from slavery and chains,
4 you will taunt the king of Babylon. You will say, “The mighty man has been destroyed. Yes, your insolence is ended.
The passages are stark, filled with the language of happiness that evil is being destroyed, the proud and arrogance of it brought low in humility.
Look around our country today and there is much jubilation. Osama Bin Laden is dead. To write the words is sobering. I am not jumping up and down - I am longing for God's Kingdom to come upon the earth...for all violence, killing, and wars to cease. I am longing for Christ Jesus, the prince of peace to reign.
I can't help but think of the many who lost loved ones during Sept 11, 2001. I think for many of them is a sorrowful reminder that getting this guy was because he caused so much pain and suffering.
Terrorism isn't going to go away. As long as the enemy of God continues to exist, violence and hatred, killing in the name of deity, and the retribution of one group against another will continue. In Christ Jesus there is supreme reconciliation...it can't be found in any other way.
Peace
Monday, 2 May 2011
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