WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Then I heard a voice from heaven shout, "Our God has shown his saving power, and his kingdom has come! God's own Chosen One has shown his authority. Satan accused our people in the presence of God day and night. Now he has been thrown out! Our people defeated Satan because of the blood of the Lamb and the message of God. They were willing to give up their lives. The heavens should rejoice, together with everyone who lives there. But pity the earth and the sea, because the devil was thrown down to the earth. He knows his time is short, and he is very angry." (Revelation 12:10-12, CEV).

Monday, May 2, 2011, 3:16am

As tired as I was, I picked up my phone to see why it was illuminated.  The most prevalent news story of the day announced the death of “the world’s most wanted terrorist.”  (Staff and wire reports. "U.S. KILLS BIN LADEN." The Atlanta-Journal Constitution. May, 2, 2011, p. A1.).  Right then, I knew it was no coincidence for me to be awake and alert at the 3am hour—this was the normal time for me to talk with God.  I asked:

What does this mean, this death announcement to the world?

This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. (Jeremiah 22:3, NIV).

What does this mean, this death announcement to the world?

“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:23-24, NIV).

What does this mean, this death announcement to the world?

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.  In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior. (Jeremiah 23:5-6, NIV).

What does this mean, this death announcement to the world?

God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him. (1 Peter 5:7, CEV).

What does this mean, this death announcement to the world?

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:18-20, NIV).

What does this mean, this death announcement to the world?

Life is challenging because Satan terrorizes the Earth.  No nation is exempt from Satan’s sole purpose to steal, kill and destroy.  (John 10:10, NIV).  All around the world, Satan aims to rob people of their dignity, joy, freedom, love and peace.  All around the world, Satan commits acts of violence that result in the shedding of innocent blood.  (Jeremiah 22:3, NIV).

Life is good because we have a worldwide God who cares for the inhabitants of the Earth.  (1 Peter 5:7, CEV).  God is near to my homeland in North America; God is far away in Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe and South America.  (Jeremiah 23:23-24, NIV).

Life is abundant because centuries ago, our God raised a King who reigns wisely and does what is just and right in all the land; his name is The LORD Our Righteous Savior.  (Jeremiah 23:5-6, NIV).  Before the creation of the world, Jesus Christ was chosen to sacrifice his life; the world population was redeemed with the precious blood of The Lamb of God.  (1 Peter 1:17-20, NIV).

Dear God:

I don’t know if I’ll ever know what this recent death announcement means to the world?!

I do know that I believe in You.  Through Jesus Christ, my faith and hope are in You. (1 Peter 1:21, NIV).  I truly believe You always win!

I know that weeping has endured many nights.  People are still mourning the loss of loved ones.  Hearts are still aching and wounds are still healing.  People are still living in fear.

Lord, I intercede for all of humanity.  Let me, like David, seek You and understand that You will answer and deliver us from all fears:

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.  (Psalm 34:4, 17-22, NIV).

As your servant, I cannot rejoice in this death announcement because I know Vengeance is Yours.  (Romans 12:19, KJV).  O Lord, forgive us for the times we believe vengeance will give our souls a winning peace.  Forgive us for the times we believe a hateful and bitter attitude will grant us winning results.  Forgive us when we think committing a violent act will give us winning satisfaction.  Help us make choices that exhibit Your love and bring You glory.

The world needs a reminder of how we're supposed to live, right now!  

Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord's followers are suffering just as you are. (1 Peter 5:8-9, CEV).

The world needs a reminder of how we're supposed to rejoice, right now!

Rejoice in the LORD always. (Philippians 4:4, NIV).

I don’t know if I’ll ever know what this recent death announcement means to the world?! 

But, I do know I'm grateful for this announcement:

"He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day'?" (Luke 24:6-7, HCSB).

I do know You are “the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” so the timeline of world events is no surprise to You. (Revelation 21:6, NIV).  I do know Jesus Christ is at Your right hand, making intercession for us. (Romans 8:34, NIV).  I do know Your word endures forever. (1 Peter 1:25, NIV). 

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray…AMEN.

The grace of the Master Jesus be with all of you. Oh, Yes! (Revelation 22:21, MSG).