Perhaps you watched the two part series on Fox about Robert O’Neill, the man who killed Osama Bin Laden. It was a moving story of one of our top soldiers risking his life for the sake of the country he loved.
Here’s the question: Was O’Neill an agent of God’s justice? I believe Paul answered this question in his letter to the Romans:
“For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one whodoes wrong” (Romans 13:4).
Related to Paul’s words, I shared these thoughts in my Life Essentials Study Bible. In conjunction withPrinciple #25:
Paul was not using the phrase “God’s servant” here in the same way he used it of himself, of church leaders, and of all Christ-followers…Nevertheless, God has established government to be His servant to all people in all places at all times. This servant role applies to those who occupy positions of leadership as well as to the government structures themselves. So these leaders, pagan though they may be, become God’s servants to maintain law and order in a sinful world that would deteriorate into chaos without this divine plan. Therefore, as Christians, we are to submit to them since they have authority delegated from God Himself.
Here’s another thought about justice and on Navy Seals. O’Neill’s personal testimony reminds me of Christ’s willingness to give His life for us. Jesus first came to us as a mortal human. Now, He exists in a glorified state preparing his return as the leader of an army. Revelation 19 gives this description:
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns…The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords (verses 11-16).
On Christmas, we remember Jesus as He first came. We can also look ahead to a time when He returns to establish his government on earth. Let’s also remember to pray for individuals like Robert O’Neill and all the men and women wearing military uniforms who make it possible for us to worship in freedom. Without them it would be a much more dangerous world.