Romans 4:13, 16-18; Psalm 105; Luke 12: 8-12
Paul continues his argument for faith over law, “in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants…to those who share the faith of Abraham. God is the father of all of us….” Jesus tells us to depend on the Holy Spirit to teach us if we must defend our faith. Recently there was a demonstration of about 3,000 Muslims who decided to offer their Friday noon prayer on the lawn of the US Capitol. An awesome sight, and yet the group, bowing to the ground, were surrounded by hecklers, warning them to repent, carrying 10 foot plaques of the Ten Commandments. As if Muslims don’t revere Moses, the Torah, the Bible, both Testaments. In fact the Qur’an has more material about Mary, mother of Jesus, than does the New Testament. God is the father of us all, and Abraham is the father of Jews, Muslims and Christians.
Ask the Spirit to remind you what you appreciate about Jews and Muslims. Take some time, and listen. Then ask the Spirit to light up any dark places where fear of them lurk. Can you let the Spirit help you get underneath the fear in order to heal?
Open our minds and hearts to all the children of Abraham, God our true father and true mother. We worship you in so many ways, and you receive us all as your very own. Thank you!