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As I arrived in Dubai a week ago, I was shocked at the amount of Muslims I saw. Perhaps this was to be expected since Dubai is a Muslim country. However, I hadn't done any research on Dubai and their main religion, so it took me by surprise.
Growing up in America, most people claim Christianity as their preferred religion. However, if I'm being honest, I was much more impressed with the dedication and commitment of some of the Muslims in Dubai. No matter the time or place, time is set apart for prayer five times each day. Even the dentist office closes for prayer at different times during the day.
Also, despite the hot temperatures, everyone can be found wearing an Abaya, or a long, flowing outer garment worn over all their clothes. The women are very modest with no skin showing, some only having their eyes uncovered. If we are being honest, God definitely respects this more than someone claiming Him while showing all of themselves to everyone.
I had the privilege to meet a few new Muslim friends during my short stay. As I was walking on the street, I ran into a guy named Abdul. He was very kind and welcomed me into his home right away. We played games together, had coffee and talked about his faith in Islam. To my surprise, he told me that Muslims also believed in Jesus. I was shocked. I wasn't expecting this at all. He told me that Muslims only recognized Him as a prophet, however, and not the Son of God.
At first, I was taken aback by this statement. But then I thought deeper. Most christians I know don't actually believe He is the Son of God, either.
"46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" - Luke 6:46 KJV
We have bashed the Muslims for their lack of faith in Jesus, but rarely do we see any Christians conforming their life be similar to Jesus, either. We, as Christians, have become accustomed to recognizing Jesus and His wisdom, but very few actually consider Him to be Lord based off of their actions.
I thought to myself, "Who would God prefer, someone that publicly says that Jesus isn't Lord or someone who says that Jesus is Lord, but doesn't actually do the things He said to do?"
"28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. 30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. 31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you." - Matthew 21:28 KJV
I did find it strange, however, that the Muslims believe in the Old Testament but not Jesus, since the scriptures of the Old Testament testify of Jesus, His coming, and even the way He was to die.
"2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah , though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" - Micah 5:2 KJV
"14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." - Isaiah 7:14 KJV
"10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." - Isaiah 53:10-12 KJV
I don't think it's possible to see Jesus as a prophet and not the son of God, considering He Himself said that He was the Son of God. So in other words, they are saying that Jesus is a great prophet, but was wrong about the most important thing He prophesied about?
"19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." - John 5:19 KJV
Is it possible to say we trust in the words of someone, but then pick and choose the words we trust in? It would be silly not to think that Jesus is the Son of God if even the demons, who hate God, recognize Him as the Son of God.
"27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not." - Luke 8:27-28 KJV
The sad reality is that most people deny that Jesus is Lord, some with their words and others with their actions, which makes absolutely no difference to God.
"7 You pretenders (hypocrites)! Admirably and truly did Isaiah prophesy of you when he said: 8 These people draw near Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me. 9 Uselessly do they worship Me, for they teach as doctrines the commands of men." - Matthew 15:7-9 KJV
Question of the Day: Some deny Jesus is Lord with their words and other with their actions. Would God consider you Muslim based off of your actions?