Ramadan Part, 4
Using the time during Ramadan to dialogue and be a witness for Jesus among Muslims. Continued…
What a liberating truth that if Jesus has called you to Himself, you’ve entered His courts! These courts are different though from those we might typically think of in our criminal justice systems. They’re courts that you abide in with Jesus and live from as His witness. Quite different from the other courts, right? I wonder if we ever so subtly neglect our rightful place as a witness in His “courts”-testifying to our “seeing” Jesus and instead assume the role of a “defense attorney”. It seems to me that to misplace the two would have ensuing implications that just might accomplish something we didn’t intend. Not to mention, He can plead His own cases. He did when He beckoned you through His Son, true?
As mentioned in Part 3, I will give two practical tools that might be useful in testifying to Jesus freely and through some of the preexisting channels that I wrote about in the last post. I’ll then conclude by asking you to consider responding, in Jesus name, to some current affairs within the Muslim community.
Storying: I’ve found that sharing Jesus stories is one of the most natural means of communicating Jesus to people. Not to mention He Himself taught that way! There are stories in scripture that will have relevance and application to all the channels I mentioned in the previous post. I’ve outlined some here. I’d encourage you to let them dwell in you and ask the Lord as you’re interacting with Muslims, “what would be Good News where this person is hurting or broken?” Trust the Holy Spirit to help you divinely insert it.
Prodigal Sons’ Father-Lk 15:11-32
King Son’s Wedding Feast-Mt 22:1-14
Gerasene Demoniac-Mk 5:1-20
Love Your Enemies-Mt 5: 38-48
Pharisees follow traditions & Fasting/Mourning-Mk 7:1-13, Mt 9:14-15
Pharisee & Tax Collector-Lk 18:9-14
Anointing/Parable of two debtors-Lk 7:36-50
Woman caught in adultery-Jn 8:1-11
Woman at the well-Jn 4:6-26
Prophets-signposts’ to Jesus: As mentioned before, the overall trajectory of ALL the prophets (of the O.T. & N.T.) message is pointing toward the Lamb of God. It could be extremely helpful in helping Muslims see the historical, biblical progression that is at the center of their rightness before God.
The first two show us what God will do for us.
Garment of Righteousness…Adam (Gen 3:1-24)
The Ark…Noah (Gen 6:5-9:17)
The next two show us how God will do this work.
Sacrifice…Abraham (Gen 12:1-4, 15:1-6)
Blood…Moses (Ex 11:1-12:36)
The last three Signs show us through whom God will do this work.
The Psalms…David (2 Sam 7:8-17, Mt 1:1, 1:17)
The Sign of Jonah…Jonah (Jo 1-4, Mt 12:38-42)
Jesus the Messiah…Jesus (Fulfillment of all other signs)
As you consider these tools, remember that’s all they are. At times we need to drop one and pick up another that fits better. If it doesn’t work, be creative, find something that does. With the guidance of His word and presence of His Spirit we can communicate the uncompromising truth of who Jesus is and what He’s done in various ways. It’s fascinating to watch the testimony of the gospel writers unfold in scripture as Jesus communicated the Kingdom differently to almost every individual he encountered.
In light of recent events (NYC Mosque & Qur’an burning), and ironically as Ramadan comes to a close on the brink of the 9/11 anniversary, I want to share something I just received from a friend. “While reflecting on this proposed Koran Burning Event, I was reminded of the story when Jesus was seized in the Garden of Gethsemane. You know the one, when Peter cut off the right ear of the high priest’s servant. Then Jesus answered "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him Lk 22:51. As I continued to think about this story, I was reminded of the words of a pastor in Colorado, who wondered, “How are we cutting off the ear of those who oppose Jesus these days?” … “What are Jesus followers doing that cause people not to be able to hear him?” The reality is that we do many things in the name of Christianity or out of an attempt to protect Jesus that he would not condone himself. But this particular story in Florida makes me want to cry out with Jesus “no more of this”!”
Perhaps this 9/11 weekend in the relationship of Muslims and Christians could be used to promote peace and healing, through Jesus. I wonder how your Muslim friends or your Muslim community leader might respond to your sincere request for them to host an event at their mosque. What fruit might come from setting aside a meal together where you could extend the blessing of God as a Peacemaker? What a beautiful hour to let the King of glory shine in!
I pray this blog series has served to increase your effectiveness and identity as an intercessor and witness to the Muslim world.
[Picture by The Boston Globe]