God-centered resources from the ministry of John Piper

This is a guest post from a friend of ours who is a missionary doctor working with Muslims. It is a part of his guest series, "Day-to-day Observations from Asia."

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So we went to this Muslim wedding in our fair city. We get invited to lots. It was not clear to me who the groom was, but that was beside the point. They slaughtered 5,000 chickens and scores of goats to feed the guests, thus demonstrating what my true intentions were in attending—to eat well.  (Hmm, I have just inadvertently confessed to my true motivation in many social situations…but I digress.)

I, being decidedly a man, was in a spacious and now cacophonous room with all the other men, hanging out, mingling, laughing, introducing and being introduced. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a familiar face. Let’s call him, “The Poet.” 

I know The Poet a little bit; he’s the friend of a good friend. He has the habit of quoting various couplets in many situations and fancies himself a bit of a writer himself. I had heard that in recent months he'd become much more religious and could be seen at the mosque daily.  

The Poet worked his way up close to me, and then announced in a loud clear voice that carried well around the room, "We believe that all the prophets—from Adam and Noah through to Jesus and Mohammed—that all the prophets were circumcised.” 

The room grew silent for a moment. 

While he spoke to the crowd, it was clear that he was speaking to me, “the Christian.” And it was clear that even though he made a general statement, he wanted an answer. 

And what to answer? There were numerous things wrong with his statement.

Adam and Noah were not circumcised. Should I argue that point? 

Jesus was much more than a prophet. Should I argue that point? 

I do not believe Mohammed was a prophet of God. Should I argue that point? 

Thanks be to God, at that moment, I did not have a mouthful of chicken and the goat hadn't yet been served. 

Without having time to think, I answered just as loudly, “The Old Testament tells of the importance God placed on circumcision, an outward sign, but it also says that circumcision of the heart is more important. It does not matter if you are outwardly perfect, if your heart is dirty. Only God can change a man’s heart.” 

There seemed to be a general murmur of approval, and conversations resumed.

Is that how the Holy Spirit works? In poorly motivated situations, between mouthfuls of chicken, and before the goat is served?