Jesus Sends a Sword!

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.