Omar from Iran got married to a Chinese woman. They both ended up in New York. Though he hated America, he wanted to become rich soon, earn a lot of money, and go to Iran, settle there.
Pursuit of riches: Omar had a clear goal to become rich soon. He wondered what he could do to gain quick money.
Quoted Bible verses: Desiring to be a successful businessman, he purchased a self-help book entitled How to Win Friends and Influence People. Although not a Christian book, the author used several verses from the Bible in the book. Later, he bought another book on How to be a Successful Salesman by Zig Ziglar, who is a Christian. This book included quite a few verses from the Bible. He was impressed with the bible verses, and wanted to read the bible secretly.
Purchasing the New Testament: In New York, he went to a bookstore, but the Bible was not available. The salesperson suggested that he could purchase a New Testament, which was available. He took it to his apartment and started reading diligently the Word of God.
Gospel of Matthew: It is the first book in the New Testament. Matthew wrote primarily to Jews, explaining about the Messiah. He read the genealogy, then the beatitudes, a wonderful teaching of the Sermon on the Mount, and God started working in His heart. He was drawn to the Saviour gradually.
Sword: When Omar read the Lord Jesus’ teaching that the members of own household would be enemies. The Lord sent a sword to divide the family, and Omar was stunned. (Matthew 10:34-39) He fell on his knees and confessed that Jesus is Lord. Later, Omar, while sharing his testimony to others, said: “When I read them, I knew that Jesus must be God because only God would require such from His followers.”
Cross and sword: The Lord, who has all authority in heaven and earth, offers the cross and sends the sword. (Matthew 28:18; 16:24-26) Only those who are willing could choose to follow the Lord.
Have I taken up the cross to follow Him?