"We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves." 2 Corinthians 4:7
The following story is from 'More to be Desired Than Gold' by the late Christy Wilson.
"Peter Zwemer,
Samuel's brother and a wonderful man of God, came to Muscat, Oman as a missionary and
established an orphanage for African boys. While Peter was in Muscat, the
British Navy captured a slave ship in that port, since the British outlawed
slavery. The ship had left Africa and was on its way to Saudi Arabia to sell
the slaves, thirty-five little black boys who had already been branded. After
capturing the ship, the British didn't know what to do with these thirty-five
boys.
So Peter Zwemer
made the British an offer. "I'll take care of them," he said. He
took the thirty-five little black boys, housed them, provided them with beds,
food, and clothing. He even started a school for them. He taught them the
Bible in addition to English and other subjects.
While
still a young man, Peter Zwemer took sick and died and was buried in Muscat. Years later Samuel
Zwemer returned to Muscat. Preaching in Arabic, he told the people about Jesus
Christ. “Oh, but we know him,” someone interrupted.
“Oh
no, you've got me wrong,” Dr. Zwemer said. “This is someone who lived many,
many years ago.” He went on to tell them how Jesus Christ loved little
children, how he had done many good things for people and had even given His
life for them.
“We
know him!” another shouted.
“No, you don’t,”
Dr. Zwemer insisted. “He lived a long time ago, before you were born.” And he
continued talking about Jesus.
The people raised
their hands once again. “But we do know him!” And they proceeded to
describe Peter Zwemer! Like Jesus, Peter had loved children. Like Jesus,
he had had compassion for people and had done so many good things for them. And
like Jesus, he had given his life for them.
What a wonderful thing. To be mistaken for Jesus!"
Like Peter Zemer's, our lives are always on display and Muslims take notice of our love for God and for them.
Very early on in ministry, I was given the advice never to get angry when dealing with Muslims. If I did get angry, my ministry could be over. Very wise advise. I've made mistakes and know from experience its hard to backtrack, get a hearing, and communicate with grace.
"...I realized that nonbelievers weren't attracted to evangelists, they were attracted to God. People who are true seekers are seeking for God. They may not know it, and might not express it in those words, but when they see God in His beauty being lived out in the lives of His people, they are attracted to Him. In order for Jesus to truly shine through a life, the hard exterior has to be broken and removed." from 'The Messenger, The Message, The Community' by Roland Mueller.
What a wonderful thing. To be mistaken for Jesus!"
Like Peter Zemer's, our lives are always on display and Muslims take notice of our love for God and for them.
Very early on in ministry, I was given the advice never to get angry when dealing with Muslims. If I did get angry, my ministry could be over. Very wise advise. I've made mistakes and know from experience its hard to backtrack, get a hearing, and communicate with grace.
"...I realized that nonbelievers weren't attracted to evangelists, they were attracted to God. People who are true seekers are seeking for God. They may not know it, and might not express it in those words, but when they see God in His beauty being lived out in the lives of His people, they are attracted to Him. In order for Jesus to truly shine through a life, the hard exterior has to be broken and removed." from 'The Messenger, The Message, The Community' by Roland Mueller.
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to walk wisely so that your light in my heart may get through to people who need you. May they see more of Jesus in me. Amen.
