Breaking News and my heart's wanderings

(First published in May 03, 2011 in a social network)

When I got the news alert about the death of Osama bin Laden, I remember myself saying, "Yes!" as if my entire being rejoices. And then I paused to say, "may he rest in peace.."  "Say what?" my mindl protested. "Do you really think he would have peace?" 

Looking up, I said, "Oh, well.. that's at least the most appropriate thing to say, right, Lord?" 

This morning,  I listened to DZAS' TNK program. An american missionary was invited to share his reaction over the death of Osama. And he's almost speechless-- unsure what to say. There were I think 3 or 4 questions to him but there's a gap of dead air in between his answers. I could feel the sadness in his heart when he said (and I paraphrase) "I can't understand the celebration in America. Death is supposed to be a time to mourn-- regardless who the person that died was. The reaction seemed to be inappropriate." and then added something like "may be because I have been away from our country for so long now.." his explanation why he does not share the celebration of his fellowmen in the US.

Then the anchor read an SMS message quoting Ezekiel 18:23:   Do I take any pleasure in the death of the of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?"  

I left for work with that passage in my heart.  There are two things that touches me the most:

(1) God's compassion for the lost, and  (2) God's promise of a purposeful life for those who would go back to Him.

As I write this note, I went back to Ezekiel 18 and there I read GOD'S heart up close and His INVITATION reiterated:  "For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!" Ezekiel 18:32 

Recalling now how I first reacted to the news, I realized how far I was from my Father's heart. Good thing He's just soooo near and He just lovingly enveloped me with His embrace so I would hear His heartbeat once more.

PS: As of this writing, an article is circulating that the bloodied image of Osama is fake and has been circulating in the news two years ago. Well, whether true or not that he died is not as relevant as to what my Father wants my heart to feel for those who are lost. ;-)