51 Comments

• Pam Smith May 2, 2011 at 6:53 am

  I have to say I don’t pray for my enemies like I should. It’s as tho I can’t spit out the words. But I also feel like if I did, I would move to a freer worship of God, and grow to be more like Christ. It’s like when you’re mad at someone, you tell yourself you deserve to be mad and harbor bitter feelings against them, yet all along it’s you that’s being hurt by not forgiving. I hate it when I know the right thing to do but don’t do it! Sounds vaguely familiar. Have a great day!
• Steven Sadler May 2, 2011 at 7:03 am

  Our U.S. military is NEVER to be considered THE agent of God’s justice. Evil (murder) is ALWAYS to be grieved over–no matter who is killed and who the killer is.

  Christians certainly have the right to pray as they will. For a safer world perhaps? Prayers of thanksgiving perhaps? Our Baptist hallmarks allow us the freedom to pray and respond to yesterday’s events as we will in our direct relationship with our Heavenly Father.

  We do not know if this makes for a safer world. This may mobilize and galvanize extremists into an even more brutal evil than 9/11 even.

  Let us not “celebrate” over the killing of a life created by God. Christians shold be grieving today just as bin Laden’s family is–grieving that our world has gone bad, and that we are dangerously close (if not already there) to letting this one singular event be an evidence that civil religion still reigns, that Americans consider “our God” to be working uniquely through the one true “Christian nation”. Such hubris is sin itself.

  Understandabl– war, killing, murder, etc will always be with us. But that doesn’t make any occasion of killing an occasion to pop a cork and celebrate the murder of an individual(s)–military, civilian, or of whatever ilk.

  Today is a sad day. May we tone down our celebrations and pray to the Father for the kind of Peace that comes when we lay down the sword and do not repay evil for evil.

  SSadler
  • Tina Glass May 2, 2011 at 8:21 am

    Amen, brother. Well spoken. It frightens me that our nation is so far away from God that we’re celebrating his death. Foolishness. That’s what it is. Our nation is celebrating Satan’s win. Satan’s army won a soul. Satan sure don’t discrimate in the method in which he obtains it. He’s just glad he did. To be sure, Jesus isn’t celebrating.
• Jeff Box May 2, 2011 at 7:05 am

  Some time ago I read a bumper sticker that read: It is God’s Job to forgive, a Marine’s job to arrange the meeting!

  I have urged my church on a number of occassions to pray for bin Laden’s salvation because God’s desire is that none perish.

  Justice needs to be left to God’s hand or we can become as hate-filled as bin Laden, Hilter and others.

  This man’s death, no matter how justified, ends nothing nor brings back anyone.

  We must be vigilant in our prayers, our witnessing and our security.
• Carla Robinson May 2, 2011 at 7:12 am

  Please explain “loving your enemies” while still protecting one’s self, such as fighting the German’s in world war II. Is God telling us it is all right to kill one’s enemies, but we should love them ???? Or, are we to just stand with a smile on our faces but not protect ourselves or families ??? Where would the world be if we had not fought and killed the Germans ???

  This is thrown in our faces all the time !!! I hope you can give us an answer !!!!
• Jamie Curran May 2, 2011 at 7:35 am

  I am not sad about his death, but I can’t rejoice in it either. The Bible says that God is not willing that any perish, so I think it is wrong for me to celebrate the death of someone that God wanted to save.
  • Tina Glass May 2, 2011 at 8:16 am

    Thank you! I can’t rejoice either. I refuse to rejoice over Satan’s gain.
• Kathleen Neely May 2, 2011 at 7:53 am

  Thank you for this morning’s essay. I did not know how to explain our reaction of his death to my children. I will ask them to read your essay and then we can discuss it.
• Peggy Powell May 2, 2011 at 7:57 am

  Praising the Lord, Jim Denison, for your call to God’s Word this historic morning.
  As the Scripture in Psalm 37:28 tells us, “The Lord loves justice”, so may we.

  I pray May 5, our National Day of Prayer, shall call us all, called by His name, to humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways.
• Elizabeth May 2, 2011 at 8:07 am

  It is good that this evil man is no longer on this earth.
  Is Heaven rejoicing that another soul is condemn? Jesus came to save the lost and as I rejoice on earth, only Jesus knew his heart.
• Tina Glass May 2, 2011 at 8:13 am

  Thank you for asking for our thoughts about Bin Laden’s death. I have so many to share with you. First let me say, it was necessary and justified. But…We, as Christians, should never rejoice over the earthly death of an evil soul. The Bible says, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls”. Satan and his army of demons is rejoicing over the death of Bin Laden, you can be sure. Satan won an evil soul. Satan and his army don’t care how they obtain the soul. They’re just glad they did. I seriously doubt Jesus is rejoicing. Jesus died for Bin Laden as much as he did for any of us. I refuse to celebrate Satan’s gain. So, while it was necessary, it scares me that our America is so far off base to be actually celebrating his death. While we should be relieved that Bin Laden can no longer inflict suffering on our world, we should be very cautious about how we react to that news. Bin Laden had so many followers. I believe retaliation is inevitable. Who’s to say there’s not someone already lined up to take his place? Who’s to say the next terrorist leader won’t be stronger? Or more powerful? And, the whole thing about Bin Laden’s body being buried at sea because Islamic tradition requires burial within 24 hours infuriates me! Since when do we care about Islamic tradition? We’re not an Islamic nation…at least not YET. Is that what we’re headed towards? If our nation doesn’t wake up and return to Christ, that’s exactly what will happen. There won’t be a strong enough Christian presence in this nation to prevent it. Believe me, the Islams are very strong in their beliefs and their customs. Why aren’t we? In the name of diversity and acceptance, we’ve taken God out of schools, federal buildings, etc. And, we’ve done that knowingly and intentionally. God help us.
  • Frances May 2, 2011 at 9:24 am

    I completely agree with you on all points, most of all Satan’s army of demons rejoicing. God is sad today at the loss of one of His created children that chose to forsake Him.
• Debbie Morgan May 2, 2011 at 8:15 am

  “As we will see tomorrow, the death of Osama bin Laden will not end the war on terror. Only one death in human history has ever brought peace to the human heart.” PROFOUND! Thank you Dr. Denison for your heart that seeks to honor and please the Father! Thank You Holy Spirit for Your inspiration!
• Karl Schaller May 2, 2011 at 8:16 am

  I’m amazed that it took 10 years to find Osama, and when we found him he was in an urban area near a Pakistan military installation. It’s still a vast, complicated planet on which we live!
• Peggy Odom May 2, 2011 at 8:19 am

  My first thought was that God has not forgotten us! He intervened for His people and given us a victory. This brings such encouragement. My next thought was that we are in even more dangerous times…but our Lord is with us and our job is to keep praying for the lost and doing what we can to bring more into the kingdom. Thank you for all you do. You sort’a keep us on target with your articles.
• Ray Wehmeyer May 2, 2011 at 8:26 am

  I am happy, yes I said it, I’m happy about the death of Osama ben Laden. He’s an enemy of the U.S. and free people around the world. I’m glad that our military has completed one element of a mission that started almost 10 years ago. Thank God for this success – without regrets, hesitations, or conflict in my beliefs as a Christian.

  I’ll also admit that my initial response to the fact that they gave him an honorable burial was disappointing. I won’t tell you what I said to my wife, but it was related to Roman crucifixion. Al Qaeda, hacks the heads of their prisoners, video tapes it and brags about it. Doing what I was thinking about would’ve helped their cause so, I’ll also admit that this was in the flesh.

  We should never forget that it is God who sets up (or allows) governments to form and to dissolve as He sees fit. Yes, we live in a fallen world. Yes, we’re not perfect and our government is not perfect. But it was God who established righteous laws and it benefits society as a whole when governments punish murders, mass-murders, and terrorist. Justice was served this weekend and thanks to God for that!
• Reagan White May 2, 2011 at 8:29 am

  I have a church friend who is a retired Marine who was in “Special Forces” all over the world. He is at present in Africa on a three week mission to repair GCPN Baptist Center in Sierra Leone. I just e-mailed him to ask which is the better “Special Forces”? I think I know his answer.
• John Hall May 2, 2011 at 8:35 am

  Good, timely article.
• Brandon May 2, 2011 at 8:38 am

  Jim,

  While I understand the vindication for all of those who lost loved-ones on 9/11, my heart just isn’t sure what to feel this morning.

  To me, God is not a vengeful person. His law is the only one that counts. Is is appropriate for us to take the streets in jubilation? I don’t know how to explain it. I remember so well where I was and what I felt on 9/11. I don’t feel in a way, justified this morning. I feel saddened by the what the world has become.

  Would God support this? I have several military personnel in my church. I wonder if they struggle with their faith versus their training. Does this violate the commandments?

  My feelings are mixed. I don’t remember a time where my heart felt so ambiguous.

  Brandon
• Frances May 2, 2011 at 9:13 am

  I’m glad that justice has been served, but also sad that Bin Laden never repented and accepted Christ as his Savior. God created Bin Laden and had a plan for his life. That plan was never completed because he never put his faith in God. God is saddened by ALL that don’t accept Him, and forgives All who repent. Even Bin Laden, had he asked.
  God Bless, Frances
• coco May 2, 2011 at 9:22 am

  Feel we did the right thing in killing him and I have no remorse that he is gone. It is our right to protect of families from someone doing his best to destroy us. However, I do not feel anything but sorrow that HE chose this and has led so many other down a path of evil and destruction. It makes me very sad because I would not want anyone to die without Christ. We should pray daily for our enemies to come to the saving mercies of Christ and that will be my goal.
• Margaret Osborn May 2, 2011 at 9:35 am

  Jim, After last weekend I know for sure that God can change the lives that threaten ours. I will pray more fervently for those who I whole so dear. Thanks so much for your words.
  Margaret
• Donald West May 2, 2011 at 9:43 am

  Paraphrasing Matthew 26:52 “live by the sword; die by the sword”. What happens to all the little children of the ungodly when they meet an untimely death? Are they received by our all loving God and shown salvation by the true living God?
• M. Barrett May 2, 2011 at 9:54 am

  Our church has had Osama bin Laden on our prayer list since 9-11, asking God to confront him with His truth as He did Paul on the road to Damascus. I have no doubt during those 10 years that God was faithful to answer those prayers and present truth to bin Laden in numerous ways. Since there was no evidence of a changed heart, he apparently continued to reject God. Though God does not want any to perish in sin, He will not tarry forever if one continues to reject Him.
• Doubting Thomas May 2, 2011 at 10:36 am

  You mentioned the need to pray for our enemies, but you didn’t mention the need to love our enemies as well. Many of these radical Muslims are living in abject poverty, and some may become “radicalized” (at least in part) because of their dire economic situations in which they essentially have nothing to lose.

  What is our biblical and ethical responsibility as affluent Christians in the West to appropriately care for and “love” our Muslim brothers and sister? If they are our “neighbors” that Jesus referred to in the story of the Good Samaritan, what should we be doing to love and care for them — in addition to praying?
• Jo Lewis May 2, 2011 at 10:55 am

  I think your article was 100% correct. Jesus’ death was the only one that gave me peace of heart.

  I hope this helps but I don’t believe that the threat of terrorism to the world hasn’t diminished.

  Jo
• Zady May 2, 2011 at 11:16 am

  Though this event has brought a feeling of justice to 9/11, I believe that it will inspire a rash of terrorism attempts in the Western world to avenge their leader.

  Our faith & trust in God – daily connection thru prayer and study for our peace of mind and heart will be ever more important now.
  • Gene May 2, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    Osama bin Laden was created by God, granted, but he chose to be an evil man and the tragedy was that he led many others, including little children, to do evil as well. Praying for our enemies to find Jesus and salvation is one thing, to put an end their evil actions is another. The same God that created Heaven for those who love him and believe in Jesus Christ also created Hell for those who reject him. Bin Laden had a choice, his not God’s, and he chose to kill Christians rather than become one. Can we be confident that God’s hand was not with the special forces who carried out the mission?
• Drew Waggoner May 2, 2011 at 11:55 am

  There are a few good quotes in the Bible about revenge/vengeance, like Matthew 5:38-39 – [5:38] “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ [39] But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person.”

  Additionally, I got this one from a TV show, so who knows where they got it from, but it applies, nonetheless.

  “Revenge is a poison meant for others that we end up swallowing ourselves. Vengeance is a dark light that blinds all who seek it. The untroubled soul knows there is no justice in revenge. The untroubled soul knows that to seek vengeance is to seek destruction.”~Charlie Crews

  Frankly, my issue is this: We as a country sought revenge on someone who killed 3,000 of our innocent citizens. This is likely a justified response. However, the fact that we sought it or delighted in it makes me worry about the cost of it. Therefore, it seems like Al-Qaeda will send someone to hurt us all over again, and revenge simply begets more revenge.

  Is this a better response to revenge?
  http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=6436820
  NBA point guard Chris Paul’s grandfather was killed, yet he is outspoken in stating that the kids who senselessly took his grandfather’s life should be paroled and forgiven.

  It’s easy to come into a forum such as this and speak ideals, because unless President Bush’s alias is Ray Wehmeyer, none of us were in the position of leading our country into taking/not taking vengeance on Osama bin Laden. But what is the right thing to do in a situation like the one that played out from 9/11/2001-5/1/2011??
  • Billie May 2, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    Drew,
    This was not revenge for one incident. Back up and look at the big picture.
• Riis Christensen May 2, 2011 at 1:01 pm

  Jim,
  How should we pray for Bin Laden? This also underlines the struggle in Ephesians 6:10+ about not fighting flesh and blood but forces of darkness!
  In Christ,
  riis
• Walt Durham May 2, 2011 at 1:21 pm

  Dear Jim,

  Thanks for today’s comments and those that will follow. As a former Army officer, I am so proud of our Navy Seals. I pray every night that 500 million Muslims will come to Christ. I am sharing the Gospel even now with two Muslim friends here in Dallas, both good guys.
  Much love in Christ,
  Walt
• Sal May 2, 2011 at 1:41 pm

  Evil men, like fire, can be hidden for a short time—but the smoke can’t. It has a way of
  billowing until the next one comes around and resurrects the flame of havoc. The Lord said
  these things must come to pass. Let us heed His words ever so carefully, “Watch and Pray.”
• Cliff Mainor May 2, 2011 at 3:16 pm

  I took a dose of that reality pill last night as I sat watching the news reports come on re: ObL’s passing, I had to explain to my 8yo son that public enemy #1 of the USA had been killed. His response, “That’s sad because now he will never get to know Jesus.” Kinda took the revelry right out of the air. And in the basest form of Christian thought, he’s right. I guess that’s why Jesus said,”Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” It’s awesome being able to learn from God through your kids.
• john p May 2, 2011 at 3:35 pm

  yes, bin Laden got what he derserved but i was saddened to see people in the US celebrating and rejoicing upon learning of the death of bin Laden…it reminded me of what we saw in the Arab world after the towers fell: dancing in the streets and burning images of the US…i thought, “what Godless people are these?” hmmm, i wonder what the Arab world thinks of Americans today?
• Mary Luman May 2, 2011 at 3:38 pm

  Amen!!! God never fails us
• Lidia May 2, 2011 at 4:29 pm

  My thoughts are confusing. I’m not happy that he is dead. Actually, I feel sad for the whole situation. I know what he did was so wrong, but who are we to judge. He will have his day on judgement day just as we all will. People have asked how I can feel sorry for him. I know what he did is unforgiving, and no I didn’t have anyone hurt in 911, like they say maybe I would be celebrating, dancing on the streets too. This is God’s business.
• Nell Collins May 2, 2011 at 4:57 pm

  Evangelist Cliff Brannon and Rudy Hernandez let Noriega to Christ while he was in prison in the U.S. They baptized him and led him in the discipleship program. He is a believer in Christ but knows that he has to pay the consequences for the sins he committed. He has now been released to his country. Hopefully, he will be a witness for our Lord, and many more will come to know Jesus as Savior.
  • albert May 2, 2011 at 6:43 pm

    it’s good he is gone but there is some one that’s glad he’s gone so they can take his place so we must pray and be what our lord wants us to be
• JE Peek May 2, 2011 at 6:24 pm

  The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. by Thomas Jefferson. I have slung a rifle for this country for many years and there are three types of people. There are sheep, these are the people going about their daily lives with no regard for the danger that could strike at any moment. Then there are wolves, these are the people who prey on the sheep. Then there are sheep dogs those are the warriors and freedom fighters that protect the sheep when the wolf comes, and believe me he will come. Osama’s death is just and according to Gal. 6-7 it was way over due.

  Thanks for all you do USMC…Sheep Dog
  • Pamela D Cooper May 4, 2011 at 8:40 am

    Thank you for a christain soldiers perspective. Your words have helped me deal with the conflicting thoughts and emotions.
• Stan May 2, 2011 at 6:47 pm

  An amazing news story. Our family watched it unfold last night, celebrating the success and safety of our troops. Today, our ninth grade daughter shared a Face Book status from a friend who asked: “why do we celebrate the death of someone who did not know our savior?”
• Coop May 2, 2011 at 7:03 pm

  “Why must we pray for our enemies? Because only God can change human hearts. If we could effect peace, they would not be our enemies. Only God’s Spirit can lead radical Muslims from the darkness of Satan’s deception into the light of God’s love.”

  Jim thanks for the words above,I find them encourging –as you know showing recently arrived Muslims from Iraq, the love is Christ opens doors with as we share the same enemy.

  Keep up the good work and continued blessings,
  Bob Cooper
• Bryson Arthur May 2, 2011 at 8:30 pm

  I think you mean sin is punished in this life and the next. But sin is not always punished in this life or at least not apparently so. And justice is a term which is thrown around without defining exactly what we mean by it. I think that Justice which we may define loosley as geting your just desert, is re defined or at least shown in new light by grace. There is a balance of judgement – after the cross we may term as realised eschatology – and grace. What does Jesus mean by do good to those who do evil to you. Love your enemies. Does this stop short at those whom we judge (without trial in this case) to be desperately evil. So we would add to jesus words do good to those who do evil to you except for those who are desperately evil? Well of course it is not the church which judged and executed Bin Laden but the state. But I think that we need to be very careful in our cries of justice or we rob the cross of the extent of its grace.
• Nancy Venable May 2, 2011 at 9:32 pm

  Thank you for this view of this moment is History. I know that thousands of people have died at the man’s orders, but was very sad to see the party’s and celebrations that went on in our country. Justice is mine saith the Lord. I am glad that he will not have the power to hurt anyone else, but only am in the frame of mind to celebrate the life of a child of God in their time of death.
• Don May 2, 2011 at 9:43 pm

  In reading the many comments and after much thought, I believe it is wrong to celebrate the death of a human being in our spiritual lives. We as humans also have a human side which cries out for justice. If not then why do we have laws, police, and judges who judge the law breakers? As in the story of Sodom and Gomorrrah, Abraham could not produce 10 righteous people to save the city. Evil exist in our world and it is something that has been here since before the creation of the earth. God did not create evil, just as he did not create sinful humans. The angels and the men and women had a choice and made their decision. While watching TV I was saddened by the celebration in the streets much like the celebration the Muslims displayed on 9-11-01. As I understand my Bible the commandment Thou Shalt not Kill is interpreted, Thou shalt not murder. There is therefore a difference. I was sent to Vietnam courtesy of the draft and spent my time in the jungle to defeat the enemy. Does that make me wrong? Not in my opinion but at the same time, I have paid a price through many nightmares and sleepless nights for what I did and saw. Freedom is not free anywhere. Not even in the Bible. Christ died for our sins so that we could have freedom. While it is true that God is a God of grace and forgiveness, it is also true that God is a God of justice. I have no regrets that bin Laden is dead. Perhaps or not, the end result will be the same as the death of Hitler and bring and end to this terrorism. At least the US let the world know, we will not stop until justice is served. I believe our prayers should be concentrated on our military and our families who have sacrificed so much and for the loved ones who reamain after the events of 9-11. Let us get our priorities straight and leave judgement and celebration up to God and at the same time, do whatever it takes to protect our people, our way of life, and our country.
• akeem diko May 3, 2011 at 3:30 am

  Who certified that it was bin Laden and, unless I missed it, why was his picture after the event not shown? I simply am not convinced, there are too many grey areas as well as holes in the whole thing.
• David Fox May 3, 2011 at 7:28 am

  When I look at the outcome of nations and kings, in the Old Testament, who were against God or who denied Him as “The only God”, I would say his death was fitting.
  I have no doubt he had the same opportunity to receive the “Truth”, as everyone.
• Don Laing May 3, 2011 at 1:54 pm

  You are correct. Someway, I have a bit of a problem celebrating the death of a human, no matter how sinful.
• Barbara Lowe May 5, 2011 at 5:32 pm

  Thanks Jim: I hope they destroy the compound where Osoma was highing, so it will not be turned into a “shrine for him”.
• Carol Kelly May 7, 2011 at 9:18 am

  God will be the judge of this man. I am just grateful to our Navy Seals for arranging the meeting!

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