US Embassy Protest & Violence

        

A few extremists burn American flag

Yes, we are fine!  The protests are at the US Embassy, which is next to Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo 17 kilometer away.  There have been no protests in Maadi (or any other suburbs).  Most Egyptians are disappointed in the response of both sides—the anti-Islamic film AND the response of the Egyptian protesters.  All but the most extreme have denounced the violence in Libya, Yemen, and Tunisia.  The news media doesn’t report that because it doesn’t sell.  So just like 19 months ago, don’t think what you are seeing is the whole story.  The average Muslim wants peace and harmony just as much as you.

Libyan people's response

     But there is more to the story still.  Jesus drew a line in the sand—and it was a very difficult line that went against everything of how our human flesh wants to respond.  In His kingdom defining Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 5:43-44 ESV)  This was the very thing that Jesus Himself did when He was falsely charged with blasphemy and severely beaten before He would die a slow, painful death.  First Peter 2:21-23 refers to Isaiah 53 which was written about Jesus 600-700 years earlier: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.  ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.’  When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats.  Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (NIV)  “Retaliate” could be translated “abuse.”  So when Jesus was abused, He didn’t abuse in return nor make threats (was not menacing).

     Some have claimed their First Amendment right to free speech.  But I would answer that Christians have a greater calling to responsibility and respect.  Galatians 5:13 balances our freedom with a higher calling: “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.  But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.  Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” (NLT)

      Jesus is NOT advocating burying the truth.  The issue is HOW we communicate that truth.  A friend (non-Christian, yet spiritual) was lamenting to Karan how her Christian friends on Facebook were writing or forwarding all these reactionary anti-Muslim postings.  She is considering “de-friending” them on Facebook because such postings on your Facebook account draws unwanted scrutiny for us living in the Middle East.  She remarked to Karan, “I thought Christianity was suppose to be based on love, but what I am seeing is not love.”  It seems that more often we are motivated by anger and fear than love and it’s not making for a very good Christian testimony.  Second Timothy 1:7 speaks to this very issue: “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (NKJV)

     Burning Korans and persecuting Muslims is not Jesus’ way of love.  It won’t work.  It will only perpetuate the cycle of hate and violence.  Engage those with whom you have different views with an attitude of respect.  Listen to them as fellow human beings whom God loved enough to die for.  That will do infinitely more to bring about change and communicate truth.