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Can those of us who are followers of Jesus learn something from another soul who doesn't share our faith?
In a recent New York Times op-ed, Ronald Lauder, the president of the World Jewish Congress, asked “Why is the world silent while Christians are being slaughtered in the Middle East and Africa?”
That is a question we all should ponder. In this commentary I want to quote from the head of the Jewish Congress.
But before I do that let me say it is not just the world but it is many of us who profess faith in King Jesus who are sinfully quiet while our brothers and sisters around the world are suffering for Jesus. As the President of the World Jewish Congress pointed out, “In Europe and in the United States, we've witnessed demonstrations over the tragic deaths of Palestinians who've been used as human shields by Hamas, the terrorist organization that controls Gaza.”
Historians may look back at this period and wonder if people had lost their bearings. Few reporters have traveled to Iraq to bear witness to the Nazi-like wave of terror that is rolling across that country. The United Nations has been mostly mum. World leaders seem to be consumed with other matters in this strange summer of 2014.
In a speech before thousands of Christians in Budapest in June, I made a solemn promise that just as I will not be silent in the face of the growing threat of anti-Semitism in Europe and in the Middle East, I will not be indifferent to Christian suffering. Historically, it has almost always been the other way around: Jews have all too often been the persecuted minority. But Israel has been among the first countries to aid Christians in South Sudan. Christians can openly practice their religion in Israel, unlike in much of the Middle East.
Amen President of the Jewish Congress. Now us who profess faith in Jesus must follow his example
by praying for our brothers and sisters who are suffering for Christ. We also should speak up for them. The UN may be doing nothing for them but we must do something for them.
What do you think.
Until next time,
I'm Billy David Dickson
Billy David Dickson All Rights Reserved, 2014
This blog may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact Billy or read more commentary on current issues at http://billydteacher.wordpress.com/.
