For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. -Romans 13:3-4
Sometimes there is a difference in how we respond as a government and as patriotic citizens, and how we are to respond as individual Christians to personal situations. For example, turning the other cheek may not be the wisest thing for a government at war to do.
Today I am proud to be an American. I am grateful to President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush. I’m grateful to our military and the other nations who have joined forces with us to fight terrorism.
I am glad that a terrorist leader and mass murderer has been stopped. Dr. Richard Land of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission said it well: “"If anyone ever deserved the forfeiture of his life for crimes against humanity, it was Osama bin Laden.”
“Once again, our magnificent military performed with tremendous bravery and skill. We should all thank God for them and that they are standing on the ramparts protecting our liberty.” (Quoted in Baptist Press.)
Some are saying a Christian should never rejoice over the death of an evil man, or any man. I am well aware of instruction about loving our enemies and not rejoicing when our enemy falls (Ezekiel 33:11; Proverbs 24:17; etc.). We are always to be humble before Almighty God.
These Scriptures, however, should be tempered with such Scripture as listed below. I’m not dancing on anyone’s grave, but rejoicing that justice has been done. And I am rejoicing that God has blessed and protected America.
He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your name. -Psalm 18:48-49
But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever. Selah. -Psalm 44:7-8
It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. -Proverbs 24:17
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan. -Proverbs 29:2
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. -Proverbs 11:10
-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 4, AD 2011.
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