Recently, I was riding in a DC taxi cab and engaged in conversation with the Islamic faith driver from Somalia. After a long discussion on our respective faith, (I loved the dialogue immensely), his tone became much more probing than questioning. He had the idea to demonstrate to me how alike the bible and Quran versus their differences. He spent much time drawing my attention to the comparatives. Then his question came to this, If Jesus is the son of God then How is THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST one? Further, If God is a jealous God and forbids the worship of none other than him then how is it he allows the worship of his son? Try as I might, my words came out as sounds of "WA WA WA WA WA WA and WA". My sense made none even to me. I told him my explanation sounded a bit confusing even to me. His response was, "Do you believe you worship a God that would allow his people to live in a state of confusion and blind faith?" I left his cab feeling embarrassed and bewildered. If I did not have the strong convictions of my thoughts how then could I expect to convince him of my answers?
Context: Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but instead, he was raised up by God unto the heavens. They do not believe in the trinity, they do not believe Jesus is the son of God. They do not believe Jesus was killed on the cross. Muslims do believe Jesus was a messenger of God. They do believe he was born of Mary via miraculous birth, and they do believe Jesus performed miracles. To Muslims Jesus was a prophet, a servant to God.
I thought about our encounter for days. I remember his kindness, his keen interest in furthering his understanding. I remember how he thirsted more for understanding than admonishment or judgment. He was kind, even tempered and steadfastly connected to his purpose for his religion. He worked hard to find commonalities between us. He often iterated how LOVE, RESPECT, TOLERANCE are always the commonalities that connect human kind.
My prayer during seasons of not knowing:
Dear savior, I come to you as your humble servant. I am your vessel carrying your message in my heart. Give me the insight, the words and action to be a disciple of your truth. Put the words into my mouth, the delivery into my presentation so that all good works result in the exaltation of your kingdom. Allow me to bring my doubt and curiosity to your alter. Allow my dumbfound state not to be mistaken as weakness or disloyalty to your will or purpose for my life. Lead my steps. Place into my heart your expectancies. To you God be the glory forever and always.
Direct my feet with confidence, my spine with erect boldness, my eyes with light, and my mood with excitement and thirst for your word of truth. Be with me in dark spaces. Turn me toward valleys that allow rest and peace. Keep me full of life and curiosity when seeking clarification and transparency in scripture.
In all things do not allow me to misrepresent your will. In your name, today and always, Christ Jesus in trust. Amen
Context: Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but instead, he was raised up by God unto the heavens. They do not believe in the trinity, they do not believe Jesus is the son of God. They do not believe Jesus was killed on the cross. Muslims do believe Jesus was a messenger of God. They do believe he was born of Mary via miraculous birth, and they do believe Jesus performed miracles. To Muslims Jesus was a prophet, a servant to God.
I thought about our encounter for days. I remember his kindness, his keen interest in furthering his understanding. I remember how he thirsted more for understanding than admonishment or judgment. He was kind, even tempered and steadfastly connected to his purpose for his religion. He worked hard to find commonalities between us. He often iterated how LOVE, RESPECT, TOLERANCE are always the commonalities that connect human kind.
My prayer during seasons of not knowing:
Dear savior, I come to you as your humble servant. I am your vessel carrying your message in my heart. Give me the insight, the words and action to be a disciple of your truth. Put the words into my mouth, the delivery into my presentation so that all good works result in the exaltation of your kingdom. Allow me to bring my doubt and curiosity to your alter. Allow my dumbfound state not to be mistaken as weakness or disloyalty to your will or purpose for my life. Lead my steps. Place into my heart your expectancies. To you God be the glory forever and always.
Direct my feet with confidence, my spine with erect boldness, my eyes with light, and my mood with excitement and thirst for your word of truth. Be with me in dark spaces. Turn me toward valleys that allow rest and peace. Keep me full of life and curiosity when seeking clarification and transparency in scripture.
In all things do not allow me to misrepresent your will. In your name, today and always, Christ Jesus in trust. Amen
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