The Muslim Mind

Yesterday I was attempting to catch up on some Dividing Lines from September. Dr. White started off the 9/25 program with a clip he had from a debate with Osama Abdullah. Listen here. Here is a portion of what this Muslim's arguments against the Deity of Christ.

"He escaped to Egypt from King Herod. OK? He ran away to Egypt from King Herod because King Herod wanted to kill him. Now tell me. How can this God be God? Is your God this weak and this much of a..."

Now Dr. White admits that he was caught off guard a bit by this kind of thinking. Apparently in the Muslim mind, God can't possibly join the story He has ordained and written as a character that serves His purposes. Dr. White gave a few responses off the cuff. I would like to add a couple as well.

At the arrest of Jesus, Peter attempted to do battle with the guard. He even managed to cut off the ear of a slave. Here is a verse from John's account.

Joh 18:10 Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave's name was Malchus.

What is fascinating about this account is that Jesus never attempts to run. In fact Jesus says something that ought to cause us all to tremble.

Mat 26:52 Then Jesus *said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.
Mat 26:53 "Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

Jesus claims to have been able to call upon twelve legions of Angels. To be honest, I have to wonder if the Muslim mind is able to grasp that Jesus had a purpose which required far more cunning and wisdom than man would ever conceive.

One other text from the events of that day. In a conversation with Pilate, Pilate claims absolute authority over Jesus' life.

Joh 19:10 So Pilate *said to Him, "You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?"

How does Jesus respond? Does He run? Is He unaware that He is about to be killed? Shouldn't He do something? Apparently, this Muslim thinks exactly like the unbelieving Jews who misunderstood how the Kingdom of God would come. Here is Jesus' response.

Joh 19:11 Jesus answered, "You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin."

Jesus tells Pilate plainly that his authority is given to him from a higher authority. Therefore, Pilate's authority over Jesus was according to a purpose and plan. Again, this ought to cause all of mankind to tremble at the God of the Christian Scriptures.

An early prayer of the church explains these events from the Book of Acts.

Act 4:24 And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, 'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS? 'THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.' For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."

Much more obviously could be and needs to be explained to the Muslim mind. As Christians we must constantly be reminded that it is God who opens the minds and hearts of those who do not recognize Jesus of Nazareth as the Eternal Son of God.