Significant Times

To his children he was a father. To his followers, a hero. But to Americans he was a monster.

When he died I was taking a Sunday nap. It wasn’t until the next day that I learned of Osama bin Laden’s death. From the perspective of humanity, just another man had died as a war casualty. But from the perspective of history it was a significant event.

“Now hold on, just a minute,” you may say. “Why is bin Laden’s death so important?”

Last week I heard a television commentator remark that Osama bin Laden’s death was probably the most significant death in a generation. That it is at least as important as Adolph Hitler’s death was to my parents’ generation.

That thought stopped me in my tracks. I’d never thought about what Adolph Hitler’s death meant to the generation that fought World War Two. Or about how significant it was to them.

Up until now, the most historically significant death in my lifetime was the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. That was earthshaking to a seventh grader. And then it was followed by the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968.

As Americans we thought the world had gone crazy. But, in reality, those events affected our country more than the world. Bin Laden’s death affects the entire world.

The United States went to war in Iraq and Afghanistan because of bin Laden’s scheme on September 11, 2001. As a result, thousands of military families around the world were affected. And al-Qaeda sponsored terrorism has brought fear into the lives of the citizens of many nations.

Osama bin Laden was the most wanted man in the world. But even a $50 million reward for his capture didn’t bring him to justice. So when he was found and killed it was big news.

Most people in the world today understand that Osama bin Laden’s death is an important historical event. (Even though how it will affect the world in the long term is still unknown.)

But when Jesus was killed, the world didn’t pay attention. If the news even reached Rome, it must have seemed like the execution of just another insignificant criminal in a small, remote country. Caesar was probably more concerned about Pontius Pilate’s law and order record.

But what important people saw as insignificant literally changed the world forever. For the first time in history, forgiveness of sin and assurance of eternal life was available to every tribe, people, language and nation!

Speaking of his coming crucifixion, Jesus said, “So the Son of Man must be lifted up that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” He added, “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”

The Bible adds, “Through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

Previously God’s invitation to salvation involved becoming part of the Jewish nation, Israel. But now forgiveness of sin and eternal life is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.

I invite you to explore Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God. Because, if it’s true, it changes everything! A good place to start is the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Bible.

Examine what Jesus taught. Consider the testimony of the eyewitnesses. Then decide for yourself. Know why you believe what you do about the most important man that ever lived.

Osama bin Laden’s death may be significant, but its importance pales in comparison to Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection. What will you do with Jesus?

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!