The Most Important Question to Ask

 

Rainy Mondays. They tend to get me down. Today was no exception. When I feel the need to get out of the house and don't want to spend money or go far - we head to a little, suburban downtown with a beautiful bridge within walking distance from a library. Thankfully, my kids love to check out books and this way they could burn off some energy and not get muddy. 

After placing our book loot in the car we headed out for our bridge walk. Straight away, we noticed that four men had set up a booth. Printed in large letters on their table cover read: "Was Jesus born on December 25th?"  Several pamphlets rested on the table. They were clearly Muslim apologists. 

My husband gave me a look that said: " Don't do it, don't go there, please." 

To be fair, I completely understood where he was coming from. Radical, hyper-fundamentalist Islam is quite scary. If I were to go there and simply ask the men even just one of the questions that were running through my mind, who's to know what could happen?

"But what if I just ask them if they know that it's a well evidenced historical detail that Jesus of Nazareth died by Crucifixion?" I petitioned my husband after we had passed by.

"No." He firmly responded. "Just pray for them, please. The kids are with us."

We began to walk across the bridge but I couldn't let it go. When Jesus was born is surely not the most important question. That's highly irrelevant. And they were putting it out there and I tend to seek adventure and I am very truth oriented. I so desired to pose a far more paramount inquiry. I was about to get another chance. We would have to pass them again on the way to our car. I silently prayed: Lord do You want me to kindly say something? 

What instantly came to mind was Romans 10:14: How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

Just yesterday, I had doled out full size candy bars to several of my children's ministry students for memorizing that same exact verse. Possibly it was coincidental. Perhaps the verse was just on my mind.

But given the numerous other reasons that have been brought to my attention that the Hebrew Bible is the Word of the One true, living God. I felt I had to ask. And given this same word of God claims that it is the Holy Spirit that will guide us into all truth, (John 16:13) it seemed more likely that yes I asked and yes He answered. The Spirit of Jesus was indeed whispering to my spirit:  Speak up. Love these men, bring them Truth. Leave them with humanity's most important question.

So we walked back and my husband got the notion that I had made up my mind so he ushered our four kids ahead and the four Muslim men noticed me, slowly strolling by, eyeing their table. They offered me something free. I offered them a few thoughts. 

"I think you are asking the wrong question. Do you know the New Testament is based on Historical events? In fact, there are over 80 facts or details in the book of Acts that only an eyewitness could record." Their jaws dropped. They could not believe I went there. I kept going..."Jesus said He's the Truth. It's not something to gloss over." 

They responded: "Let's talk about it. We care about Jesus." Maybe I should have but you know I had to keep my husband somewhat happy. I replied: "I am sorry! You aren't going to change my mind and I am saying all this because I truly care."

Thankfully they were kind, respectful men as are all Muslims I have ever encountered. While I am well aware that I did not speak perfectly, ( I am a fallen human being in a process) and my best friend, my husband, didn't agree with my choice, (which always makes me question my choices) but I spoke. And God can work. And now I will pray that God will use that bit of courage - those simple words and that those men will ask the most important question for us all: Who is Jesus? 

On our drive home I was still jittery. But it occurred to me that before that walk/quick debate, I was privileged to witness childlike faith.  An asking of the most important question. At the library my eight year old daughter and I had been looking through the 'Who was this Historical Figure' series. You know, it says Who is Bono and Who was Rosa Parks? The was and is are based on if the person has passed or not.  

I recalled what my young girl had pointed out:" Mom, it says who was Jesus but it should say who is Jesus because He is alive after all. "

That is surely the question. Not only who is He, but is He alive? When He was born has virtually no significance on the fate of humanity. But if He is alive then He is no doubt, God incarnate. Then He is the bridge for Humanity. The Way to Eternal life and to all that is good. It's a question to ask but I fully believe the Bible provides an answer that makes sense. We need God to get to God. (John 14:6) Humanity falls short.

And yes if God the Father can raise Jesus from the dead, surely He can raise you and I. 

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.