Sunday we saw a picture of Asia Abib, a mother of two from Pakistan who has been sentenced to death for blasphemy. What did she do? She stood up for her belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the last Prophet like unto Moses. By doing so she was saying that Mohammed is not the Lord's prophet. Who did she say this to in order to be in so much trouble? Some Muslim ladies who worked by her side in the fields. They turned her in. About a week ago the governor of Punjab province was gunned down by his body guard because he came by her side and defended her right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
We actually did not see the face of Asia. She was completely hidden behind a veil. But, if you look closely you might see a little bit of light shinning out the edges. There is nothing casual about Asia. Though she may have made the comment casually, it was not a casual comment. It had profound implications for her life, and the life of millions of other Christians living in Muslim countries. She has opened a door. She has stood up. She has a voice. And, it may cost her her life.
She is captive tonight in a jail cell somewhere in radicalized Pakistan. But, before they locked up her body Jesus had already captured her soul. Might we be so brave to stop being so casual about our faith in Jesus!
I keep thinking about what you wrote: "Before they locked up her body, Jesus had already captured her soul". I pray that I will have that kind of heart.
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