Offering

How many times have you seriously thought of this, from Matt 5:23, 24.

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” 

This week I received a report from a missionary who shared about a former Taliban member who came to faith in Jesus but after a few years reverted back to Islam and rejoined a militant Islamic group.

While back in his Muslim faith he again became disenchanted and one day decided to visit a mosque that was worshiping Jesus.  At the mosque they took an offering and read this passage.

It struck him.  This is a fundamental difference with followers of Isa al-Masih (Arabic for Jesus Christ) and Muslims.  There is no forgiveness in Islam but followers of Isa forgive, and make an effort to do so, indeed they are commanded to do so.  And they are required to repair relationships before doing religious acts.

He felt true love and warmth when he thought that: “God actually forgives me if I accept Isa, and this is what I do to others as a result.”

It was refreshing, it was freeing, it was love, it was fundamental for healthy relationships with others.

He returned to be a follower of Isa and now serves as an Imam himself.  Taliban, to Believer, back to Militant Islam, and back to a Believer.

Praise God that this often over-looked scripture pierced the heart of this man and brought him home.