I have been reading a wonderful book called The True Path - Seven Muslims Make Their Greatest Discovery. It has been a very uplifting and encouraging book, and also helps in understanding better the Muslims perceptions of Christianity and God's Word. I'm not quite done with it yet, but it will be available in the near future if anyone would like to borrow - I highly recommend it!
Here is a quote from the book:
"Finally, I said to myself: "Sultan, consider that you are the child of an hour and the world is fleeting. When you die, your country and your inheritance will be of no benefit to you; nor will your family and friends be of help to you. All these belongs to this world alone. Nothing but your faith can go beyond the grave. Therefore, it is not wise to forsake eternal life and spiritual happiness for the sake if this transitory life." Then I bowed my knees before God and offered this prayer: "O omnipotent, eternal God, Searcher of hearts, I yield myself to Thee. Accept this offering and protect me from all the snares of the devil and from spiritual dangers. Grant me courage and strength that I may be able to confess Thine only Son Jesus Christ publicly before all men. Hear and accept my prayer for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen."
~ Sultan Muhammad P. Khan
1 comment:
Hmmm ... FaithAnn, I could probably borrow that book, to good effect, by the grace of Christ. I have a sweet Muslim friend who has done me much good.
In fact, I have had two Muslim friends (one I have now; the other I have lost touch with). These women have been a balm to my soul. They have cared for me with uncommon tenderness, personal sacrifice, and loyalty, and they have made a real difference in my life. They have been used of God to meet some needs, at times of heartache and difficulty. They have borne my burdens with me, softened pain, helped me smile, lifted my heart, and helped me persevere. I am indebted to them for their commitment and compassion.
And we share many of the same moral values – this makes them very comfortable to be around. Whether the values are compassion, charity, and forgiveness, or unfeigned religious devotion, or modesty, femininity, and sweetness of speech, their company is a comfort in today’s profane world. In fact, it can be much more comfortable than relationships with non-Muslim non-Christians. Really, their example is a lot for even a Christian to keep up with. It really makes one want them to find grace to believe the truth and be saved.
As for stumbling blocks, they have been thoroughly taught to think that God, being high and exalted, would be dishonored to become incarnate. And their idea of justice teaches that it can be an offense to think of the innocent suffering for the guilty. To them it seems like a miscarriage of justice. They are thus taught no need for a sacrifice for sins, but that God’s disposition of mercy is their one hope, if they sincerely repent. And their monotheism is such that they stumble when hearing of three Persons in one God – they cannot conceive how this is still monotheism. So Christ, the loving and efficacious Savior whom they need, is indeed a stone of stumbling for them. They may only acknowledge Jesus as a prophet, and they may feel a need to immediately follow this up by saying Mohammed was greater. They have also been carefuly taught that the Bible is a book that has been corrupted – this blocks their ability to believe the word of God. These teachings have been made to be part of the very fabric of a devout Muslim’s being. To disobey these teachings is to disobey their parents and grandparents, and to turn their back on a venerable tradition which they have been taught is precious and sacred. These things I have learned from my more devout Muslim friend.
While these beliefs are a tragic error, I must at least commend their parents and teachers for doing such a thorough job of teaching them to obey their beliefs. Like the Rechabites of Jeremiah 35, God could say of many of these Muslims (the devout ones) that the commandments of their fathers are performed (verse 14). They are indeed diligently performed, even to the most rigorous commandment, and they are performed with a willingness and sweetness that is astonishing.
I have treasured my Muslim friends, and I pray that the Holy Spirit will work to draw them to the Lord. Nothing but God’s omnipotent grace can avail.
So I would be grateful to borrow the book, FaithAnn, if it is available. Every little bit helps, although I believe that I am overwhelmingly in need of grace to adorn the gospel, and make my own witness noteworthy, against the backdrop of the moral excellence and sacrificial kindness of my dear Muslim friend. And courage is needed too, courage to remain a faithful witness at every moment, and courage to sacrificially love.
May God use you in a situation where your new insights will be applicable, and where your graces may be a good fit. May He receive all the glory for all that He empowers you to do, and all that He does for the Muslims whom He might bring across your path.
In Christ the Faithful Witness who is the loving and sacrificial gift of God, and who is the righteousness of all of us believers, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Vicki Chavka
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