We shall all remember Sunday, May 1, 2011, when the President of the United States announced the death of Al-Qeada leader, Osama Bin Laden. We shall also remember the tragic events of September 11th, when so many were killed so quickly and unexpectedly. These along with many others have marked the history of our nation, and the lives of thousands will never be the same.
I remember wondering if the death of one man, can save a nation from the perils of terrorism that have changed our nation since 2001. Will his death mean an end to the efforts of this group? What does this mean for this "war on terror"? And I continued to ponder on a hundred, "What Ifs".
While so many rejoiced upon the death of this man, I will admit I was hesitant. I hesitated, not because of the questions that flooded my mind, but because this is a man, a life, for which Christ died for. For, while we were all still sinners, Christ died for the ungodly, that includes Bin Laden. Or have we forgotten that?
He is one more life that was so overtaken by evil, that he slay so many lives without regard for the value of life. Did Bin Laden reap what he sowed? I would say yes, for the wages of sin is death. It is an eternal death that all sin yields, if we do not remember, recognize and honor the One that died to free us from the slavery to sin and to give us life, Jesus Christ.
Slavery to sin?? Yes, that's what it is. Bin Laden, was unable set himself free from the holds of sin, even if he wanted to. He was bound to this evil, allowed hate to take root and bloom that which it did. Maybe it's not murder or overt evil that you foster, but what are you allowing to take root in your heart, and what is coming forth?
So while I know that the evil that led Bin Laden is still around, the victory of his death is short lived. I pray that those who are willing to foment the works of evil and hate will see how the life of one man only leads to death, including his own. But that through us, be able to see that the death of another brings forth life, and Life Everlasting.
Yes, evil exist but Jesus Reigns! And His life -exemplary, His death -redeeming, His resurrection -transforming!
be blessed & a blessing,
Minda
Showing posts with label Death and Resurrection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Death and Resurrection. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Through the eyes of a Child!
It is resurrection Sunday, The day we commemorate not only the Passion of the Christ, but the Hope we have in His Resurrection from amongst the dead. This has long been a favorite Holy-day of mine, not just because on occasion it has landed on my birthday (4/11), but because it was during this time, when I was all but 11 years old, that I came to have the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Whilst, I grew up in the church, and heard the stories of Jesus and the prophets of old all my life, it was during a practice for the Easter Play, while seeing the kids act out the scenes, and learning the words to the Via Dolorosa, that it all made sense and hit me like a ton of bricks. I cried, and asked Jesus to live in my heart.
I was reminded of this when this past Good Friday I observed Brian watched the Easter Play. Brian, is all but three (3) years old, and is at that oh so curious age, he has questions about everything, this time was no different. During the play, he sat on Priscy's lap and paid attention ever so closely too all that was being portrayed as he listened to his Titi Priscy, explain to him what was occuring. He wanted to know why the soldiers came for Jesus, why did they beat Him, and why no one stopped them? His eyes widened as the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross, and mocked Him. I wondered, is this too much for him? Does he or can he even understand all of this?
We could not turn his eyes from the scenes. He stared intently even when he gasped and covered his mouth in disbelief that the very Jesus that, he, Brian, had heard of in all of his 3 years of existence, the one that right before his eyes on stage grew from a baby to a man, died on the cross at Calvary. With tears at the brink of flowing forth, Brian received a warm embrace from Titi Priscy who told him lovingly, "Jesus died so we could live." At that moment he looked at Carmen, and with his eyes still teary, wanting to know if what his titi said was true asked her "Why did He die, Mami, why?" and she took hold of him, and explained in words that a child would understand and receive, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for the ungodly! He died for you and me and alas, do not fret, for in a few short days, Jesus Christ would Resurrect! And at ease Brian was indeed.
See, it is through that resurrection power, that we are given hope of a life eternal with Him! I am grateful to know my Jesus! Yes, He is MY Jesus! I take hold of all that He is to me, my Prince of Peace, my Strength and Refuge, My Joy and the very Lover of my Soul. I rejoice in knowing that He cares for me, and thinks of me, and loves me unlike any other ever has or will. At times, more often than not, we must be reminded of the simplicity of the Gospel and be re-introduced to it as a child, as Brian was just a few days ago. So that we too, in wonderment maybe taken aback, to then be made anew!
Happy Resurrection Sunday! May you take a moment today or even throughout this week, and see the Lord's sacrifice and offering of hope, through the eyes of a child!
Be Blessed,
Minda
Whilst, I grew up in the church, and heard the stories of Jesus and the prophets of old all my life, it was during a practice for the Easter Play, while seeing the kids act out the scenes, and learning the words to the Via Dolorosa, that it all made sense and hit me like a ton of bricks. I cried, and asked Jesus to live in my heart.
I was reminded of this when this past Good Friday I observed Brian watched the Easter Play. Brian, is all but three (3) years old, and is at that oh so curious age, he has questions about everything, this time was no different. During the play, he sat on Priscy's lap and paid attention ever so closely too all that was being portrayed as he listened to his Titi Priscy, explain to him what was occuring. He wanted to know why the soldiers came for Jesus, why did they beat Him, and why no one stopped them? His eyes widened as the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross, and mocked Him. I wondered, is this too much for him? Does he or can he even understand all of this?
We could not turn his eyes from the scenes. He stared intently even when he gasped and covered his mouth in disbelief that the very Jesus that, he, Brian, had heard of in all of his 3 years of existence, the one that right before his eyes on stage grew from a baby to a man, died on the cross at Calvary. With tears at the brink of flowing forth, Brian received a warm embrace from Titi Priscy who told him lovingly, "Jesus died so we could live." At that moment he looked at Carmen, and with his eyes still teary, wanting to know if what his titi said was true asked her "Why did He die, Mami, why?" and she took hold of him, and explained in words that a child would understand and receive, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for the ungodly! He died for you and me and alas, do not fret, for in a few short days, Jesus Christ would Resurrect! And at ease Brian was indeed.
See, it is through that resurrection power, that we are given hope of a life eternal with Him! I am grateful to know my Jesus! Yes, He is MY Jesus! I take hold of all that He is to me, my Prince of Peace, my Strength and Refuge, My Joy and the very Lover of my Soul. I rejoice in knowing that He cares for me, and thinks of me, and loves me unlike any other ever has or will. At times, more often than not, we must be reminded of the simplicity of the Gospel and be re-introduced to it as a child, as Brian was just a few days ago. So that we too, in wonderment maybe taken aback, to then be made anew!
Happy Resurrection Sunday! May you take a moment today or even throughout this week, and see the Lord's sacrifice and offering of hope, through the eyes of a child!
Be Blessed,
Minda
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