SCRIPTURE: Acts 21:27-36
“This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place.” (Acts 21:28)
For many Christians around the world, their faith in Jesus is seen as a threat.
In some Muslim countries Christians are accused of blasphemy – just for their beliefs.
Like Rimsha Misah, a young down syndrome girl from a Christian family in Pakistan.
She was accused of burning the Koran, a false claim often made to persecute Christians.
In the end a local Imam was arrested for planting the evidence… of desecrating the Koran himself.
This is not just a Muslim or Jewish problem, Christians have been guilty of similar atrocities.
It is the spirit of Satan, not Jesus, that inspires this kind of anger, deception and violence.
As Jesus followers, we need to be known for grace, peace and love, even under pressure.
We do not defend our faith with violence, for this goes against our faith.
We become guilty, like the Imam, of desecrating our faith to defend it.
Paul was falsely accused, like this girl Rimsha, because of his connection to Jesus.
We should not be surprised if people misunderstand our faith, and even misrepresent us to others.
But neither should we join in the evil by responding with anger, hate or violence.
So many religions claimed to be ‘religions of peace’, yet resort to non-peaceful means to defend them.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I pray for people falsely accused and cruelly abused for their faith – whatever their religion. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin in me!