I love the Word of God. It is so perfect and has just the right word for every occasion. Recently I was reading more in the newspaper about the President's war on terrorism. At the same time I read another article titled "Christian Terrorist." A columnist deftly pointed out that some things that people have done in the name of Christ, such as murdering abortionists, are actually terroristic. I wholeheartedly agree that murdering abortionists is terroristic, though I also wholeheartedly preach against abortion. Yet I was disturbed that the evil of terrorism could so easily be associated with Christianity, namely because of the stupidity of a few people. True Christianity, however, only ever stands for truth, love, mercy, and righteousness.
"What a strange wind is blowing in our world these days," I thought to myself. As I pondered these things I got the crazy idea to search the Bible for the word "terrorist" and found Acts 21:35-39 (NIV).
When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd that followed kept shouting, 'Away with him!' As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, 'May I say something to you?' 'Do you speak Greek?' he replied. 'Aren't you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the desert some time ago?' Paul answered, 'I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.'
Amazing! Once again the Holy Scripture sheds light on the current events of the day. First, I notice that the wrongful association of Christianity with terrorism is not a new phenomenon, but as ancient as Apostle Paul and the First Century. Second, I notice that the Roman soldiers mistakenly assumed that Paul was a terrorist, most likely because the law abiding citizens of Jerusalem were so outraged against him. Third, I notice that Paul had zero concern about this false accusation of association with terrorists nor did he show concern to rebuff it. Paul knew who he was, who the Jews were, who the Romans were, and that the Lord himself with faithful brothers were the only protectors of his commission. Paul's primary concern was preaching the gospel to Jews and gentiles. Fourth, I notice that the Christian ministry of Paul did produce incredible outrage among the law abiding citizens of Jerusalem. Why? Because by the power of the Holy Spirit Paul provoked the hypocrisy of their fattened consciences and they did not like it.
Friends, leave your slavery to idols! Give your all to Jesus Christ!
