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)
Your model holds in reference to the dispensation of non-lethal forms of justice precisely because there is no inherent contradiction. Imprisonment does not prevent an individual from coming to faith in Christ. However, if there's one thing that does concretely rule out the possibility of conversion, it is death. Hence, the problem still remains in the case of the dispensation of lethal justice. How can you simultaneously pray for God's mercy upon a sinner while hoping for their *destruction* (not just imprisonment)?
Here's how I'd answer your question...
It's simple. God can certainly work His grace in a person's life prior to any lethal act - whether a missle strike, an electric chair, or whatever.
I certainly agree with your sentiment re: our obligation, in love, to pray for and witness to anyone and everyone ... including our enemies, including those who are worthy of the death penalty, etc. And I think it's entirely possible to maintain this sentiment even in cases where lethal action is deemed wise. Being the Author of Life, God is certainly able to regenerate a person at any time He pleases, including prior to a person's physical death.
So to me, there is no impossible conundrum.
Maybe I'm wrong, but that's my opinion!
Okay got it. I should correct my original statement & say "but we hope he is also brought to justice."
(As an aside, it's interesting to note the comparable language that's used of these martyrs in Rev. 20:4-6. Clearly, in Rev. 6:9-11 they are in heaven, in a disembodied state, prior to the second advent. The verbal similarities in Rev. 20:4-6 ---particularly in reference to the fact that John saw the SOULS of these martyrs, and that such souls CAME TO LIFE to reign with Christ--- bodes very well for the amil understanding of the first resurrection - i.e., not a physical but a spiritual resurrection.
In other words, not only are these same martyrs referenced in Rev. 20:4-6, but they are referenced in such a way as to indicate that they are still ---during the millennium (!)--- in heaven, in a disembodied state ... ... ... i.e., prior to the second advent. Hence, the millennium is NOW, before the second advent!
Just couldn't resist bringing up this point, even though it's obviously tangential to the current topic. Then again, the current topic is related to the "this age" vs. "the age to come" concept!)
In regards to praying for justice, Paul exhorted Timothy to pray "for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way" (I Tim.2.2). In order for us to live peaceful and quiet lives, the state needs to propery use the sword for the punishment of evildoers (Romans 13).
So, indirectly at least, we are to pray that justice is done by praying for those in authority who bear the sword.
He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
sorry, Illegitimate RELIGIOUS Certainty. I read it wrong from my itunes."
i am unclear as to what you are trying to say, tyler. i wonder if you care to qualify it?
zrim
zrim
you said, "So actually, if we're all to go by the rubric everyone here has set forth in this thread, then that picture in Kim's original post is a-ok!"
perhaps. but,
1) KR also said,
"These signs raise an interesting question (duly noting the trite nature of such slogans in the first place)."
the "trite" factor is huge, i think. these are what i consider "put-on pietism's." it is my opinion that such stuff is sort of juvenile and meant to say more about the speaker's interpretation of his own sense of piety than any altruistic meaning. that is not to eradicate any altruism, but to say that in my experience discerning such phenomenon, altruism is seriously diminished so that speakers may instead parade their piety before the world; it's usually a matter of emphasis.
2) if we wanted to get technical about "the rubric everyone has set forth" then the poster would actually have to read something like, "pray for osama and then open a can of whoop-ass on him." (and just for any sensitive newbies here, KR himself has used that phrase on this blog...so precedent says i can!!)
zrim
yeah, that's what i mean. i know some would disagree, but that is always the sense i get with these things. it's sort of a clumsy way of trying to be clever, mixed with some political undertones in this particular case. what makes me furl my brow, too, is the response of these braggadeer generals is that they are simply "loving the enemy," etc. it's sort of like, c'mon, guys, can't you see how shallow it is?
zrim
1) As for the idea that we capture terrorits and put them on trial, I say, "Fine, when that's workable." But there are times when military action is the most appropriate response; there are times for capital punishment; etc. I know some will not agree with that sentiment, but if one can make a case that in certain situations the best course of action is the lethal course of action (including, for example, the death sentence after a fair trial), then I believe it's clear that "wishing for someone's death" is not the equivalent of "wishing for their eternal destruction in hell." I still believe that even in the case of those who are worthy of physical death, we can and should pray for their salvation.
2) I would hope that all of us who are Reformed (i.e., biblical!) in our convictions about God's election will realize and remember the fact that God is utterly sovereign in the matter of salvation. Clearly, if someone is among God's elect, whom He has foreknown and predestined to be conformed to eternal glory in Christ, then no missle or electric chair will keep such an elect person from eternal glory. God's will will be done! This does not excuse irresponsible decisions and actions on our part, but it does mean that God's will really will be done!
this is going to really rabbit trail this post, but i have an honest question for wayne:
are you suggesting that in matters of life and death (i.e. capital punishment) in the KOM that folks may disagree on political policy?
zrim