The Koran: "The Opening", "The Cow" to verse 30

Today as I was reading my Bible and the story of Exodus, it made me think about the Koran and how they view Abraham as one of their fathers. So, I decided I should read the Koran and see what it says. I hear a lot of things in the media, but I decided I should start reading it myself. I'm using this site.  http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/k/koran/koran-idx?type=DIV0&byte=1320

In my first day of reading, I discovered a few things. First, they praise Allah just as we praise God- for creation, for his mercy, etc. Second, there is a lot of focus on "unbelievers" even from the very beginning. They refer to them as fools, blind, mockers, mischief makers, diseased, even "losers". That was interesting to me because in Christianity it doesn't seem like we refer to non-Christians so negatively. However, we do refer to them as blind and deceived, I supposed. But we tend to focus on how we can bring them to Christ rather than focus on how wrong and deserving of punishment they are. 

A couple verses disturbed me -

[2.24] But if you do (it) not and never shall you do (it), then be on your guard against the fire of which men and stones are the fuel; it is prepared for the unbelievers.

A few verses clarified some Muslim beliefs-( 7 heavens)

[2.29] He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth, and He directed Himself to the heaven, so He made them complete seven heavens, and He knows all things.

A few words were defined through The Free Dictionary By Farlex- online. 

Khalif- as in [2.30] And when your Lord said to the angels, I am going to place in the earth a khalif, they said: What! wilt Thou place in it such as shall make mischief in it and shed blood, and we celebrate Thy praise and extol Thy holiness? He said: Surely I know what you do not know.

"Khalif - the civil and religious leader of a Muslim state considered to be a representative of Allah on earth; 'many radical Muslims believe a Khalifah will unite all Islamic lands and people and subjugate the rest of the world'"

Ghaib- as in  [2.33] He said: O Adam! inform them of their names. Then when he had informed them of their names, He said: Did I not say to you that I surely know what is ghaib in the heavens and the earth and (that) I know what you manifest and what you hide?

"In Islamic context, (al-)Ghaib (غيب) is (the) unseen and unknown, in reference to Allah and the forces that shape the world. The Qur'an states that man (mankind) is unable to see Allah and his attributes. Belief in al-Ghaib is considered an important Muslim characteristic, as it allows for prayer and faith."

Anyway, an interesting study so far!  I hope you found something new in it! I know I did.

Favoritism

Today I read Genesis 43-45 for worship. I read from the New Living Translation. I'm amazed at this translation because it reads like a story and I just have to keep going until it's at a good stopping point. This part was about Joseph in Egypt and how his brother's came to him for grain. He withheld his identity from them and tested them until they demonstrated their characters to him. I've always loved the story of Joseph. As a child, he was always my "favorite character in the Bible".

After reading today, I was pondering, "What did I learn from this story that I didn't already know". I think the important point made to me today is about favoritism. The whole problem of Joseph going to Egypt was because he was favored by his father, this urged his brothers to jealousy, and they sold him to slavery. His father then favored Benjamin. I think that the brothers probably were more tolerant of this because of two reasons; first, they felt guilty about what they had done to Joseph, and second, Benjamin was younger than them. Joseph had been closer to their ages and thus it was harder for them to see him be favored over them. But ultimately, the favoritism towards Benjamin led to Simeon's imprisonment for who knows how long while the brothers were trying to convince their father to allow them to take Benjamin back to Egypt. 

Favoritism is a difficult thing NOT to do in life. When we really identify with someone and grow close to them, it's hard not to favor them over other people. This is fine in certain contexts. It's how we make close friendships with some people and not with others. However, in groups where there should be equity, it can cause problems. The family is one of those areas. I would imagine that bosses would feel this problem. I know as an employee it's fairly obvious when a boss favors one person over another and usually causes jealousy from the other employees. As I start my new job, and begin new relationships, I hope to remember the story of Joseph and treat all my colleagues and coworkers without favoritism. With respect and Christ-like love that every human being deserves. That is my goal. That is what I learned from my worship time today.

Christ-like?

My husband and I had a thought provoking conversation yesterday. We were sitting on the back porch and he said that one of his friends had asked him, “Where is your heart”. We were pondering that question and where our priorities have been lying. We are caught up in so many things right now and preparing for so many new adventures. It’s easy to forget what we really believe is important. Kit also asked me if I believe that Jesus could really come tomorrow. Could he? Well, that was yesterday and today is the day after yesterday or tomorrow… so, He didn’t. But that doesn’t mean He’s not coming soon. Do I live my life as I should? I’m pretty sure that I don’t. I gossip and envy and am full of pride. My thoughts and my actions are nowhere close to the standard that Jesus has set. Thank God, he is full of mercy and forgiveness and loves me no matter what absurdities I display. But that does not mean that I shouldn’t challenge myself to become more like him. This is the challenge I encounter. What is “Christ-like”. I feel that some people’s impressions of what Christ is like is definitely not the Christ that I know. So, as I seek to become a more Christ-like person… what will that look like? Does that mean I never cuss. Does that mean I never watch a questionable movie? I’m pretty sure that it is something deeper than those things. I’m going to try and ponder questions like this more frequently. I would love to have other people’s thoughts as well. I’m not sure if this blog will become a continual thing or not. The Christian walk is a very personal thing… but should it be? Should we not share our struggles with each other? We’ll see if I’m brave enough to in the future!