RAYMOND LULL: Reaching Muslims for Christ

On June 30th, 1315, an 80 year old Franciscan monk died in Algiers after being savagely stoned by Muslim radicals.

Raymond Lull had entered the Franciscan order with a passion to reach the Islamic world for Christ. After mastering Arabic and Muslim philosophy, he made three missionary journeys among the Muslims of Tunis.

He believed that by love, understanding and humble service; Christianity would triumph in the Muslim world. In 1 Peter 3:15 the Apostle exhorts us to, “always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and respect.”

From the failures of the militant Christian crusades down to the post 9/11 era, animosity between Muslims and Christians has reigned throughout the history of church. However, Gods love for the world includes the millions of people who live under an Islamic worldview and attempts by Christians today to present Christ to the followers of Mohammad should be tempered with gentleness and respect.

As Raymond Lull wrote, Muslims would be reached for Christ, “by love, by proclaiming the word of truth rather than by force of arms.”

Click here to listen to the radio program of this devotional.
©Copyright 2006