Scripture passages that caught my attention today: Psalm 106:6 Both we and our ancestors have sinned; we have committed iniquity, have done wickedly. AND Matthew 19:17a-b And [Jesus] said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good.
Observation: In the Scriptures there is an understanding that all of humanity has a sinful nature. No one is good except God alone.
Application: The news at the close of the day yesterday was that Osama Bin Laden is dead; he was targeted and killed by US forces.
I can’t say that I regret his death, but neither do I find it to be a cause for great celebration. His death brings about a certain degree of closure and a greater degree of questions; what does this all mean? Did the ‘good guys’ finally ‘win?’
According to the over-arching story of the Bible, there are really no ‘good’ guys or gals. Sure, occasionally the Scriptures will point to someone as righteous and to someone else as wicked. But in the grand scheme of the Scriptural story Jesus said it best; “There is only one who is good.” For this reason the psalmist is honest enough to point out that “both we and our ancestors have sinned.” The Apostle Paul, in Romans, brushes all of humanity with one broad stroke when he declares that “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”
Today I’m grateful for the people who endeavor to defend and protect the vulnerable in any nation—and for those who bear the responsibility for commanding and/or directing them. But I not so keen on joining the big celebration bandwagon. And I most certainly will not triumphantly declare that Mr. Bin Laden is headed straight to hell. It’s one thing to endeavor to carry out and/or give thanks for earthly justice. It’s quite another to presume to know God’s eternal plan for all who don’t measure up to our standards.
Yes, Mr. Bin Laden did and/or directed some really bad things. But let’s be honest…so have we. If we think differently we’re only kidding ourselves and not taking seriously the depth of our own sinful nature. Consider, just for example, what Jesus said in Matthew 5:22 (part of his famous Sermon on the Mount) “But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.” Clearly it’s only by the grace of God that I’m not headed in the direction of hell myself. That, finally, is something worth celebrating!
Prayer: Lord, it’s a complicated world. But your reminder and command in today’s readings to love our neighbors as ourselves is a good place to start. I thank you for that. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: 1 Chronicles 16, Psalm 106, and Matthew 19)
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