Bloggers,
I am at loss for words today!! But I am inspired for the amazing faith of Abdul Rahman in Afghanistan. He is on trial for the crime he committed. What was the crime? His conversion to Christianity! (In this picture, Abdul showing the translated version of the Bible)!!
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10 (niv)
What does this tell us? What does this tell you? Though, we have such persecutions in America but not like this one that Adbul is facing. He's willing to die for the cause of Christ! Something that's out of the ordinary for centuries since Jesus, the Disciples, and the Apostolic Fathers.. He's a great example to us. Jesus reminded us with this passage:
"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me." Matthew 24:9 (niv)
Not only they hate Abdul for his conversion, they hate Jesus! Oh, how I wish Jesus would appear to them all as He did to Saul on the road to Damascus! Saul persecuted the church of Christ during the first century. He was devout and a religious fanatic pressing his way against the Way (of Christ)!! Yet, Jesus reminds us, again,
"Remember the words I spoke to you: ...If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." John 15:20 (niv)
Adbul doesn't look depressed.. He didn't hide the Bible he read. He looks so firm and strong for his belief in God and His Son, Jesus! I don't know all about his conversion or what church he attends but he's closing in on death's door where Jesus will stand to embrace and welcome him. Imagine Jesus' words, "Brother, you died for the faith you have in Me!!"
Now, think about this.. We're in America, he's in Afghanistan. We're comforted (in a spoiling way), he's being persecuted. We're complaining of alot of things in life, he's standing on trial and is defending the faith he has with God. We're worried about our time spent (more with the world and our priorities, less with God), his hourglass is graining away. We're hiding our light and storing away our salt, he's shining his light and passing the salt!! So how godly are we compared to Abdul in America?? What have we really done that he's doing, now, for Jesus?
"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,.." 2 Timothy 3:12 (niv)
2 comments:
i first found out about this at my church. what an awesome thing!
:) pianopunk.. What a unique name for a blog name. :) Amen to all that you have said! How true that we often fall prone to a realization that the faith we may have isn't the faith of Christ but more of futile faith. It is my prayer that all those who have faith (especially those weak in faith) will become strong in faith, even to the point of severe persecutions.
Agape, PP.
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