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| Click on Picture to Enlarge (Read it and Weep) |
You will find Christians of every stripe in Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. The more “traditional” such as Greek Orthodox and Catholic have become more aware of their historical and religious connections to the Jews in Israel and increasing numbers of young people are voluntarily joining the Israeli army.
In October we posted a heartwarming video of Christian Arabs from Nazareth who stated “We Are Israeli and Deserve to Serve Our Country Proudly”, as they mounted a bus to begin their service in the IDF. As an aside, it should be noted that everyone in Israel who signs up for service is given the choice to swear their oath on a Torah, a Bible, or a Koran.
Now there is a new twist in the plot. Near the center of Nazareth a very large billboard has gone up~a “Warning” so to speak, from local Muslims. The sign is a warning that Christians must not try to overstep their “dhimmi” (second class) status. The message was also directed at the Jews, however, in Nazareth the majority of the population is Christian and Muslim.
Featuring a large stop sign, the billboard bears a quote from the koran cautioning Christians (and Jews) and makes the claim that Jesus was “only a messenger”, and of course “allah” is the one and only god. The text of the sign contains a quote from Koran 4:171 and states: (Emphasis Mine)
“O people of the Scripture (Christians)! Do not exceed the limits of your religion. Say nothing but the truth about Allah (The One True God). The Christ Jesus, Son of Mary, was only a Messenger of God and His word conveyed to Mary and a spirit created by Him. So believe in God and His messengers and do not say: ‘Three gods (trinity)’. Cease! It will be better for you. Indeed, Allah is the One and the Only God. His Holiness is far above having a son.”
Please be aware of the continued and growing persecution of Christians in the Middle East by the Muslim population.
Please Pray for Safety of the Nazareth Christian Population in These Troubled Times
* Hat Tip to Blazing Cat Fur Blog