I had a challenging phone call last Friday. A guy I used to go to church with arm wrestled me over my thoughts toward Muslims. I think I cleared up one issue: “No, I’m not trying to get Christians to follow Islam.” On other matters, I didn’t fare so well. He was firm that I didn’t understand how bad Muslims are. I tried without success to respond.
Then two days later, Bondi Beach happened. He hasn’t called back, but I suspect he’s thinking, “I wonder if he gets it now?”
Do you ever struggle like I do? Though none of us would liken ourselves to Elijah, do you ever feel like a solitary voice? Standing alone, waving a flag that says “Let’s love these people God has made.” Against all common sense and community feeling. Against wisdom and security. Contrary to at least some voices in our government.
Florida Congressman Randy Fine, “It is time for a Muslim travel ban, radical deportations of all mainstream Muslim legal and illegal immigrants, and citizenship revocations wherever possible. Mainstream Muslims have declared war on us. The least we can do is kick them the hell out of America.”
You know what no one is against? Children’s Ministry. Sunday morning childcare and Bible stories.
I confess it sometimes seems appealing.
But you know this, God doesn’t just want the kids in my church to follow Jesus. He wants Muslims from every stripe, sect and sentiment to give him complete allegiance and to find the life that the wee babe was born to purchase.
The massacre at Bondi Beach was horrific and the pain will last through generations. May God have mercy on those who suffer now as a result. And may God smile on our cousin who demonstrated the heroism we usually only see in movies.
PS: I’m writing this week’s Muslim Connect en route to Indiana to hang with my Mom as she has surgery tomorrow. I’d be grateful if you’d lift her up to the Father with me. Thank you.