I just watched a video that a televangelist sent out to Osama Bin Ladin. Yikes. He doesn’t mince any words, and very baldly presents the gospel message to Osama, telling him that he will be praying that Osama rejects Islam and comes to repentance.
I think that’s a lovely thought, but a wasted effort. Are we called upon to pray for the salvation of all people, regardless of how patently obvious it is that particular individuals are instruments of Satan and/or are actively involved in fulfilling end times prophecy?
I would hate to call it “wasted” prayer, but it sort of feels like that’s what it would be. Thank you so much for your continued teaching. I rely heavily on your work.
What would Jesus do? In the sermon on the Mount He told us, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matt. 5:43-44)
Later as He hung on the cross, dying at the hands of those who stood watching He said, “Father forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.” (Luke 23:34)
If He could do that, then we can pray for Osama bin Laden.