Jesus the Messiah

"This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah...Now this is how Jesus the Messiah was born..." Matthew 1:1, 18.

"In the Bible, prophecy is very important. In fact, more than one-third contains prophecies, making it the most unique book. We read much prophecy in the writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekial, Daniel, Zechariah, and in the book of Revelation. There are prophecies about different empires and kings, such as Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, Assyria, Babel, and Persia. One prophecy names Cyrus, the Persian ruler, 200 years before his coming to power. Other prophecies are about Greece and its divided kingdom, the Romans, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the captivity and return of God's people." The Unique Christ, Nizar Shaheen.

I just finished a 2 lesson series for an adult Sunday School class on Prophecy. I printed this 'scroll' of over 300 Messianic prophecies (click) starting with Genesis 3:15 with their fulfillments!! One thing was clear to Jews, the Messiah was coming. There was a period of over 400 years between the Old and New Testament when there was no new public message from God. But God started speaking when  the Astronomers arrived from the Middle East. They had been tracking this star for a few years and followed it all the way to Jerusalem and talked about a king being born. King Herold caught off guard asked the scholars about the birth of a king. This led the Astronomers right to Jesus the Messiah in Bethlehem. God made sure that the details of the prophecy made 700 years before the birth of Jesus were exactly fulfilled. A virgin would give birth to the Messiah in Bethlehem. Huge miracles.

The Messiah - Christians don't make a big deal of his name. Some are familiar with The Messiah production with the Hallelujah chorus imbedded. Most forget that Jesus Christ(in the Greek) means Jesus the Messiah --the anointed one.

Muslims mostly gloss it over. Sura 4:171 mentions that "Jesus was the 'Word of God, the Messiah, and has the Holy Spirit." Although the Qur'an refers to only one Messiah eleven times, some Muslims reject the uniqueness that this title implies by stating that there are many who are called Messiah in the Old Testament.

Nizar Shaheen points out that this genealogy(Matthew 1:1ff) written to a Jewish audience in mind, makes sure that this is the very one--the Messiah predicted in the Old Testament. And what a testimony it is that 61 of these 300+ prophecies were fulfilled during the first advent of our Lord and another 31 during Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Isn't that amazing--92 of these prophecies were fulfilled to the detail. Our God is amazing.

It spurs us on to continue sharing the message of the Messiah. From this vantage we are assured that:

• God keeps his promises
• He is sovereign
• He has a divine and specific plan
• The central theme of the Messiah coming is to reveal his plan of Salvation
• Proof of the deity of Christ
• The fulfillment of the prophecies draws people to the truth--so important in sharing the Good News with our Muslim friends

Dear Jesus, we pray that you would continue to draw Muslims to yourself--your whole message revealed in the Old and New Testament. Prepare us for your second Advent to take all believers to heaven. Amen.

You Guys Pray?

"Allahu Akbar", heard from mobile phones scattered throughout the meeting room we attended, reminded listeners of one of the five prescribed Muslim prayer times. They serve as constant reminders.

Muslims ask "Do Christians pray?" It's their honest question. Some Christian agencies discourage using the word prayer in communication with overseas workers. But isn't this is the very thing we'd want Muslims to know--that we are people of prayer...so that they can come to us for prayer in Jesus name?

Here's a story of one Christ follower who really believed in prayer. "Give me Souls, O God, or I die! That was the plea of John Hyde...

John left for India. Aboard ship, he opened a letter from a friend who wrote that he would pray until John was filled with the Holy Spirit. Angrily John crumpled the letter and hurled it aside. He had yielded his heart to the Lord, gotten his degree, studied Indian languages and was obediently on his way to a life work. How dare his friend suggest he lacked the Spirit? But when he cooled down, he realized that his friend was right. He pleaded for the power of the Holy Spirit.

The result was that John became a notable intercessor, one who pleads for the souls and needs of others. He was nicknamed "Praying Hyde". He often paid for his concern with sleepless nights.

Revival began when he came late to a meeting one evening. "I have been having a great controversy with God. I feel that he has wanted me to come here and testify to you concerning some things that he has done for me, and I have been arguing with him that I should not do this. Only this evening...have I got peace concerning the matter and have I agreed to obey him, and now I have come to tell you just some things that he has done for me." John told them how God had freed him from certain sins. Soon his listeners were weeping and confessing their own.

In 1908, anguished by the sight of sin and souls doomed to hell, he asked the Lord to bring a soul a day into the kingdom of God. Soon he upped that to two souls, and then four. God answered his prayers." (source)

I was at a pastors' and leaders' prayer meeting recently. One fellow in my group makes his mission to encourage vibrant prayer meetings. After ministering for years in Africa where he saw little fruit, he finally decided to pray. His ministry was revolutionized. This resonates with a prominent Mission Agency who made "By Prayer' their motto.

‘How do we encourage more prayer?’ Someone suggested “create an app”! Muslims already thought of that!

Prayer meetings with lofty long prayers can be drab. Recently I reread Rosalind Rinker's Prayer, Conversing with God. "Prayer is a dialogue between two persons who love each other."(the back cover). This concept has revolutionized many Christians' prayer life. It brought new life to prayer meetings.

Better still, make it a part of life. Perhaps it will be most sustainable if linked to a prayer partner. My wife and I seldom start out regular activities of the day without a dedicated time of Bible reading and prayer. We’ve seen answers to prayer. God is listening.

Lord, teach us how to pray.

Unlocking the Door

"There is a wide-open door for a great work here..." 1 Corinthians 6:9

This well-used Somali door was imported from Mogadishu!  It now decorates a restaurant in Toronto! The door is padlocked. The only way to get in is to use the right key. 

When we were in Pakistan, we ministered out of a hospital. Our staff was superb in showing the love of Jesus. We used it as a springboard to minister spiritually to people who came to the hospital and also followed up some of the patients and families scattered throughout the catchment area.

When I transitioned to full time in ministry in Canada, I searched for ways of connecting with Muslim men. It was easy overseas where we were part of an institution. So the door symbolizes what I had to do as a man. How do I start or get in? I had to find the key to minister to Muslim men and youth. One of those keys was to minister through programs. For several decades our government has funded programs to help settle newcomers. So, rather than reinventing the wheel, I started to volunteer at different places where I would have access to Muslims. Several of these are English conversation groups.

A number of years ago we helped settle refugees through Catholic Social Services. We were linked up to a newly arrived Afghan family of 6. The settlement counselor filled out an assessment for them of where they were needing help. There was a long list of options that included help with shopping, English practice, homework help, etc. The dad checked each item on the list--not possible for 1 volunteer!! It all got sorted out. 

Immigrants who come here obviously have to become proficient in English for their jobs and life here. Many things we take for granted are a challenge for those who are new. Reasonably good English is needed for reading notices from the caretaker, papers from the kids' school, paying bills, obtaining a driver's licence, and passing the citizenship test just to name a few. I'm thankful many Christians are involved in showing the love of God in practical ways.

Mohammad came here with ambitions to pass an exam to certify to service industrial equipment. Then he wants to sponsor other family members. So, he is learning English and trying to study for the technical exam. In the meantime he came to faith in Christ! While he treasures his new found faith, he still has to try to move ahead professionally. Its a privilege to help him with conversational English practice. He is very appreciative.

My wife and I spend time praying for each opportunity to serve newcomers by meeting felt needs. We want them to succeed. But there is more...we are intentional. We pray that I'll connect with the Muslims God wants us to follow up at the end of a term. 

Felt needs change as times goes on. Once the basic needs are met, the relationship with a newcomer may change. Life often gets busier and busier for them. The new felt needs are unique for each person--perhaps prayer for an ageing parent or encouragement in raising teenagers.

Thank-you Lord for the avenue of meeting felt-needs as a natural connecting point in ministering to Muslim immigrants. Amen.

International Students

"...but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." Romans 12:2

"If I go with God, I'm afraid he will spoil my life", bemoaned an International student contact. I went on to share that God had given me a very fulfilling life when I put my trust in him as I pray and listen to the Holy Spirit for many important decisions. "Surely he has good plans for you," I reassured her. 

If the trend continues, it is possible that the number of International students sent to the West could double in 10 years. Many of these not only come for undergraduate studies but stay on for graduate studies or research. Who would have thought that we would have large numbers of Saudi students in our universities? Saudi Arabia, the cradle of Islam is a very challenging place to declare God's truth.

Bakht Singh was an International student studying engineering at University of Manitoba in 1929. He had previously been strongly opposed to Christ and even tore up a Bible to prove it. John and Edith Hayward befriended him in Winnipeg and invited Singh to live with them. After every supper they would read the Bible. It was reading the New Testament that brought him to a personal faith in the Lord Jesus. He became India's foremost evangelist and church planter. Haywards were part of that miracle.

Reminds me of conversations I had with an Asian student. Hussein read the Persian Bible I gave him from cover to cover. We met from time to time to discuss the Christian faith. He liked what he discovered to the point that he concluded that he would like to be a Jew, a Christian, and a Muslim. I explained that I didn't know about becoming a Jew but if he wanted to be a Christian, he would need to believe Romans 10:9, "For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." "Do you believe Jesus is Lord and that he rose from the dead?," I asked. "No, I cannot agree with that," Hussein replied. "In that case, you are not a Christian yet," I added. There were many more conversations. The last chapter has not been written yet. I love this window of opportunity that we can have with inquisitive minds.  

Remember the incident I mentioned in my first post titled Redirection (click)? I believe God placed the District Commissioner in that strategic location to allow the Gospel to be preached in this remote town in Northern Pakistan. The students studying here are influential and how they view their experience in the West without a doubt will be remembered the rest of their lives. If they return to their homeland, they may appear in strategic places. It is possible for you to have a long term life-giving relationship with students from countries typically closed to Western missionaries. Like in the case of Bakht Singh, the Good News was carried to places we can never go. 

Heavenly Father, you direct students to come to simple places like Winnipeg to study but greater than that to meet you. Thank-you for allowing us to serve them and share the greatest knowledge they could ever get--that of knowing you personally. Amen

Food Court

Food courts in my city are busiest on cold or rainy days. The one I frequent is a central meeting place where many newcomers to Canada hang out. I pray that each time I go there would be at least one divine appointment. I do a lot of listening.

A typical morning or afternoon starts with a cup of coffee or something to eat so that I'm allowed to sit there. On this particular day, I scan the large area and soon see that at least 75% of the people sitting there are non-Caucasian. The Sudanese are sitting in one area, Ethiopians or Eritreans in another area besides Somalis, Aboriginals and pockets of University students and employees of shops. I spotted Lateef sitting with his Somali community. He was in a horrific car accident 18 months ago and was at death's door many times in ICU where we visited him. We prayed for him months before. His community discouraged him from having any contact with us. But there he was and I reminded him that it was a miracle that he was actually at the food court today. I talked briefly while other Somalis were listening in. He tires easily and had to leave for home shortly.

Newcomers who sit in food courts for hours have needs. Most need a job or they are waiting to be granted refugee status. Some struggle with a new culture and way of life very different from what they are used to. I remember talking to 2 African young men and after getting introduced, one of them turned to me and asked "What can you do for me?" He had the understanding that I as a Canadian held the key to him getting ahead. I wish I had that much power and influence! I try to get informed about where to send people who need help. After listening, I sometimes have opportunities to pray for guys.

I sat down next to a young African man and offered to buy the chap some coffee. He mentioned that he needed money to go to a certain pharmacy. When he left others who knew him said he'd probably spend it on booze. I noticed an Aboriginal man sitting at the next table watching me as I talked to this troubled African man. I  turned to him and greeted him. He responded, "I think you are a warrior." "Why do you say that?" I asked. "You genuinely tried to help that guy." He started talking about his life from the past, how he had been in jail for half a dozen years accused of attempted murder. And now he was working in a mining town in Northern Alberta. "I think God has been looking out for you. He is good" I said. "I believe in God too." My new friend gratefully accepted a New Testament and thanked me for praying for him.

I think Jesus would be comfortable at 'my' food court. He would have compassion for those who are truly hungry and thirsty for meaning and purpose in life.

"Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink -- even if you have no money!...Listen, and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul!...I will give you all the mercies and unfailing love that I promised to David." Isaiah 55:1-3

Overseas versus Homeland Ministries

I appreciate Brian's strategic contribution. He highlights significant changes in their ministry approach as they shifted from an overseas ministry context to homeland ministry. I know Brian is a great Christian role model for the Kurdish guys in his life. PTL!

"My first long-term interaction with Muslims was as a development worker in Mindanao, Philippines.  These were poor farmers and folk Muslims.  They used charms and incantations to protect themselves from evil powers and guns to protect themselves from their human enemies.  Since some were barely finding food for each day, it wasn't hard to discern their needs.  My colleague and I got training in both sloping agricultural land technology and in health, in order to introduce new ideas that could dramatically improve their lives.  Those that were willing to try new farming methods were generally also willing to study the Bible with us.  After a lot of sweat and tears, we did establish a church of Muslim background believers.

When the Lord directed my family and I back to North America and put on our hearts the Kurdish people, we had an entirely different challenge before us.  The culture of the Maranaos of Mindanao was fear based.  The Kurdish culture is shame and honor based.  None of our Kurdish friends in Canada wonder how they’re going to feed their family tomorrow.  The Canadian social system lifts everyone above absolute poverty.  The provincial health program, food banks, welfare, and disability programs are already in place.  Initially, it seemed the Kurdish refugees and immigrants here didn't have practical needs.  How would we show them the love of Christ?  Gradually, as we learned their culture and their language and we became a part of their community, we did discover real and felt needs.  Here are some of their needs that are likely common to many immigrant communities.

First of all, they have both marital problems and struggles raising their children in this “foreign” culture.  It’s neither quick nor easy for the Kurds to accept our help in this very personal area, but we are beginning to have opportunities.  Secondly, even those who speak English fairly well have difficulty reading the myriad of forms and papers coming from government, kids’ schools, banks etc. We’re often asked, “What’s this?” or “What do I do with this?”  Thirdly, navigating the health system here is a challenge, and we have oft-times walked with or sat with our friends through it.  Fourthly, from time to time, a friend gets a parking or a traffic ticket.  What to do?  This doesn't happen “back home”.  They need someone to explain and advise them.  Other felt needs the Kurds have sought our help with—a place to hold their parties(our church sometimes fills this need) and help in sponsoring their relatives to come to Canada.

Let me be clear, however. I'm not “earning” the right to share my faith with my friends.  Jesus has clearly given us that authority already(Matt. 8:28) and the Holy Spirit has given us his power(Acts 1:8).  I try to talk about my faith from my earliest significant interactions with my Kurdish friends.  Rather, I am simply showing the love of Christ, loving my(Kurdish) neighbor."

Thank-you Father for sending Brian and Carol Ann back to their homeland for a unique ministry to Muslim immigrants. Bless their efforts with their Kurdish neighbors. Amen. 

The Sacrifice

"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29.

Muslims are celebrating Eid al Adha next week--their biggest annual religious celebration. They commemorate the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son. According to the Bible and later mentioned in the Qur'an, God intervened and supplied a lamb--a substitute. His son was spared.

Many Muslims slaughter a sheep to remember this sacrifice. One of my friends announced that he would sacrifice a goat during the week-end and divide the meat between themselves, their relatives, and the poor. Most Muslims don't know the true meaning of the sacrifice. They know they need to follow Abraham's example and by doing so hope to gain God's favor.

On the day of Eid, the Muslim community gathers for prayers, usually in a rented hall to accommodate a large crowd. Then they go home and prepare a big meal followed by visits to their Muslim neighbors and friends. Past misunderstandings are put aside and they go around greeting each other.

Can we use Eid al Adha as a bridge to the Gospel with Muslims? Yes, sacrifice and redemption are at the core of the Gospel summary in 1 Corinthians 15:3(Injil). Jesus truly was crucified and died on the cross and rose again so that we can live eternally. The Introduction to the 'All Nations Series' of the Jesus dvd (click) helps explain to our Muslim friends how Abraham's sacrifice foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice for everyone.

Most of my Muslim friends consider it impossible that Jesus could be their substitute and don't even see themselves as sinners. But for the small mistakes they make, they hope to make up for them. The thought is that if one continues to improve and keeps the requirements of Islam then perhaps God will have mercy and save me from hell.

In 'Connecting with Muslims' (page 148) Fuoad Masri shares this story:
     "If a friend of mine asks me to watch his house while he travels, he expects me to take care of his possessions. But lets say that while he is gone, I accidentally destroy the furniture. To make up for my lapse of judgement, I wash his car as a gesture of goodwill. Does washing his car cover the cost of replacing the furniture? No! If I ask my friend to have mercy and forgive me for destroying his furniture since I washed the car, is it acceptable? Of course not!
     Even if he forgave me, my friend still has to pay for the new furniture. Likewise, our good works are not righteous enough compared to God's righteousness. Our good works will never erase sin, for we are expected to do good and obey God's commandments.
     In contrast to a Muslim's perspective, a Christian standpoint sees God as holy and all humans as sinful. No one is righteous in the sight of God. Sin must be punished by death, an eternal separation from God. All are in need of salvation through an eternal sacrifice. Only Jesus was sinless from birth and conquered sin and Satan. As the Word of God, Jesus is the only one who can intercede for and redeem all humanity."

Dear Jesus, you are the only lamb of God. Thank-you for salvation that you freely give through your ultimate sacrifice. Amen.

Reaching Muslim Neighbors

Guest writer Nathan's father was my colleague in evangelism in Pakistan and later relocated to England to serve the Muslim community. Here are trends Nathan highlighted in a magazine article.

"As I step out of my house and head into the city centre, I walk through neighborhoods heavily populated by ethnic minorities representing many unreached people groups. They come from a variety of countries but are setting down roots and increasing here in Bradford, as in many cities throughout the UK.

Throughout Europe, Islam is growing as a result of immigration and high birth rates. Huge mosques are being built; students are arriving from Muslim countries, both to be educated but also to proclaim their own religion. Muslim leaders are arriving from overseas to teach and train young men to be active in defending and spreading Islamic teachings and culture, and Islamic schools are increasing in number with this end in view. This is a challenge to society, but also a challenge to the church and to all Christians, a challenge that must be confronted with the same love, compassion and care exemplified by Jesus, a challenge to be active in reaching the nations on our doorsteps.

Muslims are proud that their religion is growing rapidly. For the Muslim, Islam represents a worldwide brotherhood and unity is seen as its adherents observe Islam's various rites and festivals. Nevertheless, in reality, many ordinary Muslims know little about their faith, whilst remaining proud of following the religion of their forefathers.

Unlike many British people, Muslims do fear God and are generally interested to talk to the 'People of the Book', that is, Christians. This openness to religious conversation gives us a huge opportunity to explain the gospel. We need to explain simply and gently the truths of the Trinity, the sonship of Christ, the cross and the resurrection. This takes much patience and perseverance. The Lord Jesus is sovereign in evangelism and will lead us to those in whom the Holy Spirit is at work.

Beyond the challenge of teaching the gospel to Muslims lies that of helping Christian believers from an Asian background feel at home in British churches.

First, a great deal of suspicion exists between all parties involved.

Second, ex-Muslim believers are often afraid. By changing religious loyalties they have cut themselves off from their own community and they can face opposition and danger, which can become greater if they are active in a church.

Third, for the two above reasons, believers from the Indian subcontinent can feel isolated and lonely. They deprive themselves of fellowship, and the temptation to return to Islam can be overwhelming. The fact of the British involvement in wars in Muslim lands also does not help. Ex-Muslims need to understand that British churches are not political in this way and do not necessarily approve of British foreign policy.

So then, the challenges of evangelism and church in communities where there are many Muslims are numerous. Nevertheless, the church can and must arise and in the power of the Holy Spirit boldly and lovingly take the gospel into every corner of multicultural Britain. As we proclaim the gospel and include people from all backgrounds into our churches we will catch a foretaste of heaven.”

Almighty God, thank-you for calling Nathan from a new generation to carry on ministry. Bless him and his family as they reach out to Muslims "on their doorstep". Amen.

One at a Time

"...wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine others to go and search for the lost one until you found it?" Luke 15:3

Remember Malaysian Flight 370 that disappeared mysteriously over the Indian Ocean a few years ago? A lot of resources went into searching for just 'one plane'. 

The shepherd in this passage goes looking for just 'one sheep'. When he finds him, there is a party. The Bible has many special references to sheep and shepherds. I watched shepherds in Pakistan, Tunisia, and in Montana. A universal commitment of a good shepherd seems to be that he would be willing to take risks to rescue even 'one sheep'.

God is concerned about each person who hasn't responded to his invitation to come to him. We are told that there will be great rejoicing in heaven when 'one lost person' receives Christ in his heart. Amazing!

This post is written especially for men who may have one Muslim contact. I wrote in 'Your Muslim Friend', "As a man, consider your friendship with a Muslim man has been divinely orchestrated by the Holy Spirit". Has your path recently crossed with a Muslim man at work or in your neighborhood? It is highly possible that this guy has never met a real live Christian. I remember the years that I worked full time and work was often so physically demanding that I didn't have a lot of give at the end of the day. So it came down to this--I'd rather invest in one or a few Muslim friends than just touch the surface with many acquaintances. Investing in one friend when you are working part time or full time is a significant ministry. Bless you for it!

My Muslim friend Ahmed moved from Winnipeg to another city in Canada. I asked my friend Roland who lives in that city if he would have time to befriend him? His immediate response was "Of course, this really seems like it's from God". As a family they have bonded to Ahmed. Roland and his family have included him in many family events--week-ends at the cottage and many tandem bike rides. Roland on one of his consulting trips overseas even visited his family in Palestine and delivered a gift from Ahmed! As a result, the barriers and prejudices against Christians has come right down. This family has truly been a "letter from Christ" that Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 3:3.

You may wonder, how do you take it to the next level? If he is interested in soccer, it's natural to connect with him initially on that level. My friend may just prefer to hang out and talk or go for walks or bike rides. We've taken our friends to church if they are interested, especially at Christmas. Very early on I give lots of clues that God is very important in my life. This sets the stage for future discussions or even praying with him if there is a need.

So, my message to you is 'keep on, keeping on'. I'm confident you are making a difference! 

Dear Jesus, help me to live in the 'now' and seek to befriend and hang in there even with one Muslim contact at a time. May I be a conduit through which you speak to this special man's soul. Amen.

*Identity Crises*

"Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29

"I'd like to get baptized" said Munzir before he knew what the Christian faith was all about. We studied scripture together and went over all the pertinent verses dealing with salvation. He said he really wanted to follow Christ and prayed in his own language. We took him to our pastor. After hearing Munzir's testimony, our pastor suggested he sit among us for a while. It didn't feel right for us and the pastor. For some reason Munzir wanted a new identity and real fast.

Options were running out for Asif about to be deported from a western country. He had come from North Africa where he saw no future for himself. A lawyer suggested that his children get baptized in a church and claim they couldn't return to the homeland--to become asylum seekers. Asif studied hard and did a lot of research in preparation for their immigration hearing. The plan was for them to present themselves as Christians--pretending. As he was preparing he realized the truth is in Jesus. His wife wasn't convinced and even threatened to leave him. But as he showed her what he discovered, she too came to Jesus.

It's common for those who are burnt with religion to give up and be nothing. Muslims for example get angry when they discover the sources of Islam aren't what they were told. At first they ignore it and some even become more religious. Perhaps if I try harder my soul will be stilled. But they tire of that. Then many dabble in different religions. Once that's done they become agnostics. They give up on religions. Can you imagine the struggle and mental anguish that a Muslim goes through when he tries to disengage from Islam? It's a recipe for psychological disaster.

During the 'Arab Spring' many Muslims began to realize what Islam has done to their country and turned to atheism. But they know that doesn't work. One atheist described that the hardest thing for him is that he doesn't have an identity. It becomes clear that ex-Muslims need a sense of belonging, a purpose in life, and a new identity.

"You will find rest for your souls"...isn't this an awesome verse? Talk about a delightful invitation. Following Christ isn't about religion. It is about a new identity in Jesus and learning from him. It will take a lifetime to unpack the richness of Christ's claims: I am the door, ...bread of life, ...resurrection, Messiah, ...I AM, ...light of the world, etc. In Islam a person learns to follow rules about everything. This puts structure, discipline and order in one's life but that can soon become burdensome. It's only a bandaide. Why do Muslims settle for this? FEAR. Fear about being isolated from former friends and family or even threatened physically. The fear of the unknown--who am I without the title 'Muslim'? They don't know the options. That's our job--to assure Muslims of God's love for them and Jesus invitation to come to him.

Lord God, rescue Muslim men who are desperate for a new identity. Lead me to the ones who have lost their way. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsDQEb-qlyM (click)

Damascus or Emmaus Road?

"...their eyes were opened, and they recognized him..."Didn't our hearts feel strangely warm as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" Luke 24:31 & 32.

Two followers of Jesus walking towards Emmaus were in deep discussion about the events of the past 3 days when Jesus joined them--a stranger at that point. He reminded them that all that had happened was the fulfillment of scripture. Only when he broke the bread when they stopped for the evening meal did they recognize Jesus. Then he disappeared.

In the 40 days following Jesus' death prior to his ascension, Jesus was actively revealing his identity to believers. Jewish historian Josephus and later Eusebius fill in some of the details.

Paul's experience of meeting Jesus was significantly different. He was on his way to Damascus to persecute believers. God had special plans for Paul(then Saul). He stopped him in his tracks, blinded him and spoke to him. God dramatically opened not only his physical eyes but his spiritual eyes.

In Pakistan we had the privilege of fellowshipping with Qureshi. See "The Peanut Butter Man". He opened up his own mosque and led prayers for the faithful. God placed a hunger in his heart to read the Injil(NT). He went to visit a missionary whom he had heard about. The short of it was, he met Jesus. He was like the Apostle Paul...fearless and intense. For him it was an Emmaus Road experience--a journey and not an instant conversion. And this is the story of all the believers I know. God got their attention and they never let go. Some even became mentally ill over the dilemma of being so intensely drawn to Christ but knowing the cost of following Jesus. Worldwide believers are persecuted and intensely bullied.

Lately several experiences have encouraged me that God is still at work in specific Muslims from a broad spectrum of people. God somehow hand-picked individuals to proclaim the Good News to their people. Qureshi boldly proclaimed Jesus to Muslim leaders--the Pharisees of his day. Afghan martyr Zia also boldly proclaimed Jesus, penned many of the first Dari hymns and helped translate scriptures. His witness was powerful.

No amount of jamming the satellite transmissions or shutting down website access can deter the work of God's spirit. This past year showed me 2 or 3 individuals in whose heart God has been at work. They tell of an unquenchable search for truth. One of my friends in his homeland where Muslims are banned from having a Bible and from entering a church checked out the Bible in the library. He was completely disillusioned with Islam and was moving towards becoming an atheist. God had mercy on him and brought him to a place where he could freely explore the Christian faith.

You and I may well have a part in the 'Emmaus journey' that some Muslim friends are on...or even a dramatic Damascus Road encounter! When we are open about our faith with Muslims it soon becomes evident whether they are ready to hear more. Isn't it exciting to be part of a Muslim's faith journey?

Dear Jesus, show me how to encourage Muslims in search of you. Amen.

“Thou hast made us for thyself, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” -Augustine