Pray for Osama?
Thursday, February 1, 2007 at 05:49PM 
A number of churches in Australia (both Baptist and Anglican) are posting "Jesus loves Osama" on their church sign-boards. Prime Minister Howard is upset about it, even though he's fully aware that Christians are to love their enemies and to pray for those who persecute them. Click here: "Jesus Loves Osama" Signs Hit Australia, Baptist Church's Signs Draw Criticism Over Whether They Promote A Suitabl
These signs raise an interesting question (duly noting the trite nature of such slogans in the first place). As an American citizen, I would be thrilled if and when a Predator spots Osama and then launches a Hellfire missile in his direction, hopefully blowing him into little Osama bits. Justice would be served.
But as a Christian, I have been remiss in praying for my enemies (including Bin Laden). I am reminded that in my office as minister of Word and Sacrament, it is my sacred duty (should the occasion arise) to preach the law and the gospel to UBL and any like him, regardless.
Since I am a citizen of two kingdoms (one earthly and the other heavenly), and since my citizenship in the heavenly kingdom informs my earthly citizenship, I should, on the one hand, earnestly pray for UBL's conversion and repentance, and on the other, hope that he gets his. No contradiction here. The two kingdoms fit together just fine.
As a minister, I should also be cognizant of the fact that my citizenship in the city of man not find its way into the pulpit at the expense of my charge to preach God's word. I must do what Scripture and the Canons of Dort command me to do--preach the gospel promiscuously to all who come within earshot, regardless of who and what they are. My opinions about Predators and UBL are not part of that sacred calling. OK to express them on a blog, but not in a sermon.
So, I'll pray for Osama's conversion and urge you to do the same, and at the same time I'll hope that our special forces find Osama and kill him. Meanwhile, I will trust how that all works out to the grace and providence of God.
Your thoughts?
Reader Comments (68)
I totally agree. George Washington was the man.
That I would actually watch.
Can you imagine him talking into the camera w/ that sappy music & Benny Hinn in the back ground saying "Yes Lord....Yes Jesus" in the background.
All kidding aside, indeed his conversion is something we should pray for, no doubt.
But it should not be forgotten that we pray he is also brought to justice.
I see no problem here.
I think these churches step over the line if their reasoning favours the latter, as only God knows who the elect are.
Hmmm...
A great little book on this type of matter is Don Carson's "Love in Hard Places" (cf. also his "The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God").
The way I see it (Romans 9 style!), God is both just and loving, and He is without contradiction in dispensing justice to some and in extending love to others ... all to His eternal glory.
In the end the way we work this out in our puny minds is somewhat like trying to resolve the larger DS/HR issue. I think we simply need to uphold both. Maybe in glory we'll understand (maybe not!).
I don't think anyone is necessarily denying that God is both just and loving, wrathful and merciful (at least I'm not). Sure, God would be just to take Osama's life (just as he would to take mine). The issue is whether or not *we* are called to pray for mercy but hope for destruction. It is my contention that New Covenant believers are called to pray *and* hope for the conversion of the wicked. If God has been merciful to us, how can we turn around and cheer the destruction of other sinners?
"But it should not be forgotten that we pray he is also brought to justice."
For that. Is this in the Lord's Prayer?
maybe I'm a bit thick @ the moment. What is it you are saying or asking? I'm a tad lost.
But a United Methodist church posted a message that I found amusing which said; "Don't Let Worries Kill You -
Let the Church Help"
Here's an idea: Isn't it possible to do both, if we make some fine distinctions?
For example, we can pray for the conversion of terrorists, and yet support efforts (even aggressive efforts) to find them and bring them to justice. Don't we do this regularly for those who commit crimes? We want them to trust in Christ for eternal salvation, but we still pursue the legal process of gathering evidence, convicting them of their crimes, and sentencing them to appropriate punishment.
We can and should pray for even our worst enemies. We really ought to desire their conversion. And God can certainly change their hearts at any time. But does this mean that we do not still actively seek to dispense justice? Does it mean that we cease and desist with all military or legal efforts? Or that, if such thugs do come to Christ, we then let them off the hook? If someone stole millions from a bank, and then really did come to Christ in repentance and faith, would we not rightly expect punishment, restitution, etc.?
My conclusion is that we all ought to pray for and witness to even the vilest of sinners. But at the very same time we ought to not only hope that justice is done (e.g., legally, militarily), but also support efforts that plan and execute the dispensation of justice.
It's not that we hope for anyone to experience the second death, the lake of fire. Just the opposite. We hope for heaven for people (and pray and witness accordingly). But while we are still in "this age," we track down and punish evildoers. And, happily, no missle, no prison, etc. will ever separate those who have come to faith in Christ from the love of God which is in Him.
Here's an idea: Isn't it possible to do both, if we make some fine distinctions?
For example, we can pray for the conversion of terrorists, and yet support efforts (even aggressive efforts) to find them and bring them to justice. Don't we do this regularly for those who commit crimes? We want them to trust in Christ for eternal salvation, but we still pursue the legal process of gathering evidence, convicting them of their crimes, and sentencing them to appropriate punishment.
We can and should pray for even our worst enemies. We really ought to desire their conversion. And God can certainly change their hearts at any time. But does this mean that we do not still actively seek to dispense justice? Does it mean that we cease and desist with all military or legal efforts? Or that, if such thugs do come to Christ, we then let them off the hook? If someone stole millions from a bank, and then really did come to Christ in repentance and faith, would we not rightly expect punishment, restitution, etc.?
My conclusion is that we all ought to pray for and witness to even the vilest of sinners. But at the very same time we ought to not only hope that justice is done (e.g., legally, militarily), but also support efforts that plan and execute the dispensation of justice.
It's not that we hope for anyone to experience the second death, the lake of fire. Just the opposite. We hope for heaven for people (and pray and witness accordingly). But while we are still in "this age," we track down and punish evildoers. And, happily, no missle, no prison, etc. will ever separate those who have come to faith in Christ from the love of God which is in Him.