What we saw this past week in the Islamic demonstrations over the Danish cartoons of Muhammad was another vivid depiction of the difference between Muhammad and Christ, and what it means to follow each. Not all Muslims approve the violence. But a deep lesson remains: The work of Muhammad is based on being honored and the work of Christ is based on being insulted. This produces two very different reactions to mockery.Read the rest of it here.
If Christ had not been insulted, there would be no salvation. This was his saving work: to be insulted and die to rescue sinners from the wrath of God. Already in the Psalms the path of mockery was promised: “All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads” (Psalm 22:7). “He was despised and rejected by men . . . as one from whom men hide their faces . . . and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3).
Saturday, February 18, 2006
The insulted Saviour
John Piper shares wise words about the Danish cartoons backlash:
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3 comments:
The ministry of Lord Jesus is based on the notion of strength. Strength in withstanding insults, mockery, torture and even, death.
It is clear that in the God's economy such matters are 'trivial' compared to the necessity of the execution of the salvation plan.
Anyway, it is pertinent to note that our Muslim friends are also prohibited from depicting/ridiculing Isa al-Masihi at all. I dare say, if Muslims do so, they would be charged with high treason and blasphemy.
So, as Nasranees (what the Koran calls us Christians), let's respect them as much as they respect our Lord. I don't think it's too much to ask.
p/s Hope you feel better soon!
Thanks Adrian for the comment.
But the thing is, I don't see Muslims 'insulting' Jesus or Isa which as you say would be blasphemous. As our politicians like to say, the issue "does not arise." They do respect Isa as they do all prophets (witness the baning of Dreamworks Prince of Egypt animated movie); it's other religions and their adherents that get a rough deal (to put it politely).
See Surah 5:51
"Believers, take neither Jews nor Christians for your friends."
Or Surah 9:123
"O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you,, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him)."
Your references to Sura 5:51 & 9:123 are noted. These are warnings to guard themselves against BAD Christians and Jews. However, can i also point you to :
Sura 3:67 'Abraham was neither Jew nor Christian; but he was sound in faith, a Muslim; and not of those who add gods to God."
Based on this, who then should be regarded as a 'Christian' or a 'Jew'? As Christians, I think we need to reexamine our faith-level and how the world sees us first before we make judgments on other people.
One more point, how many of us Christians think of Muslims as our brothers? Younger brothers, even. Radical thought? Not really ... we were regarded very highly during the early years of Islam. See Sura 10:95 'If you doubt what We have revealed to you, ask those who have read the Scriptures before you'. That's the Jews and yes, US, my friend. Imagine how much we have disappointed them time and again. Let's not even talk about those terrible Crusades. How despicable that His so-called disciples were maiming and killing in the name of God. How are they to trust us?
Anyway, remember the Lord's Word in 1 Corinthians 9:20 '...and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews'. Let's take time to understand them ... and through new friendships, make more bridges between us.
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