As much as we would like to, or as much as we already have, the scriptures do give us a clear answer on the question of rejoicing at an enemies demise:
“17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him,
And He turn away His wrath from him.
19 Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the wicked;
20 For there will be no prospect for the evil man;
The lamp of the wicked will be put out.” Proverbs 24:17-20
President Obama should be given credit where credit is due. The operation to rid/capture Osama bin Laden was very well executed and has put President Obama in a more positive light among most of us who have doubted him to be a strong president making decisions for our country’s best. There are still more issues that have to be tackled and more issues that still have me at odds with the president, but for now I will give him praise for a job well done!
In light of the scripture in Proverbs, I will also tone down the level of rejoicing because it is plainly not pleasing to our Lord to rejoice when an enemy falls. It would be interesting to know if the Navy Seals chosen for the job of taking out the enemy are debriefed with this scripture in mind. Not only to be physically and mentally ready for a job – but spiritually as well! Okay, wishful thinking here but perhaps the Christian Navy Seal has that verse tucked away somewhere between his heart and his hi-tech warfare weapons!
