“Is it moral for Christians to celebrate the death of Osama Bin laden?” That question was posed to me last week following the announcement of his death by US Navy Seals. The call came from Ed Doney, news reporter for KFOR television. Apparently several OKC pastors had declined their request for an interview. Since I had and still have lots of people to “thank” for their efforts with The Marathon; I chose not to write about the news story in last week’s blog. Several of you told me you saw me on Channel 4 and were pleased with my response. Maybe others of you were unaware of the piece or hold a different opinion. I understand there was a lot of Facebook activity by First Church members the day following Osama’s demise! In visiting with a few other pastors; I’ve found similar agreement. I did not get to watch the final piece personally; so I’ve not seen the “sounds bites” that were utilized, but I understand they were fair and unbiased.

My initial response to learning the news Osama Bin Laden had been killed was a sense of relief for all those impacted by his reign of terror, which includes all of us; but particularly the family members of those killed on 911. I was proud of our US military and the expertise of the Navy seals in particular. I was also thankful no US military were killed in the mission. My second thought was how very sad for this man who has just entered eternity without Jesus. I shared that response with Ed Doney and a scripture Tony had shared with me earlier that day: “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.” –Ezekiel 33:11. Though the context is different, the sentiment seems appropriate. As a Christian Pastor, my first concern is always for people’s salvation.

My good friend and former Lay Pastor here at First Church Rev. Keith Cressman asked his United Methodist congregation last Sunday on Mother’s Day this question – “What if Osama Bin Laden had had a praying Mom?” His life and all of ours could’ve been different. As I shared about Hannah, Samuel’s Mom, last Sunday; there is tremendous power in a God honoring, praying Mom. I’m so thankful my children have a praying Mom in Robin, who invests time every week in a Mom’s In Touch prayer group with Lisa Turley and other women to pray for our children and their schools. After all; if we’re not praying for our children, who is? Either they are prayed for or they are preyed on! Keep praying Mom and Dads! Our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren depend on it.

As I close; I’d like to share one more encouraging note we received this week…

Dear (First Church) Members,
Thank you so much for a warm, dry place to come to during last Sunday. After my daughter ran the marathon in the cold rain. My granddaughter said, “Mom. You have to come to this church. After we got there, my daughter was overcome with emotion and said, “I feel like I’ve been with Jesus! What a wonderful church.”
Thank you so much! Linda Beasley (Dallas, TX)

God bless you! See you this Sunday!

Mark
PS – Go Thunder!!