Pray for Osama?

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?

An Unusual (but Very Cool) Encounter

I'm a child of the sixties.  So it will come as no surprise that I'm an old rock n' roll fan from way back.  One of my favorite bands was Mountain (Leslie West, Felix Pappalardi and Corky Laing)--critically acclaimed, but not much of a commercial success.  

Mountain's guitar-player, Leslie West, is, in my humble opinion, one of the best from that era.  My all-time favorite guitar solo is found in the blues tune "Stormy Monday," recorded at the Atlanta Pop festival back in 1970.  Through the years, I've played that song over and over and over.  I still listen to it.  You'd be surprised how many things I've written through the years while Mountain's live version of "Stormy Monday" was playing in the background. 

I also have a great deal of respect for Tony Snow, now Bush's press secretary.  Tony is always a gentlemen in the midst of the lion's den.  He's a cancer survivor and hosted a very popular radio show, when not on Fox News.  I knew he was a musician (guitar, flute and sax), but had never seen him play.

All of that is to say, what happens when Tony Snow meets Leslie West to the tune of "Stormy Monday"?  Click here: YouTube - tony snow plays the blues

This is too cool!  But you've got to watch the whole thing.  Hint--Leslie is not the guitar player, but the singer.