Muslim Cities

Will Welcome Christ

Friday, April 3, 2020

This coming Sunday, Western Christendom celebrates Palm Sunday. The events that took place on that day 20 centuries ago were astonishing; they shook the city and shocked the authorities.

It was not unusual to see an outsider riding into Jerusalem on a donkey to celebrate Passover. Yet, on this day, large crowds gathered around a particular rider to give him a royal welcome. Some threw their clothes on the road, while others spread tree branches as welcome mats! They shouted his praises joyfully. They called him Son of David. Yes, the rider was Jesus!

That is how Jesus was welcomed into Israel’s capital city on Palm Sunday. It is our prayer that many Muslim capitals will welcome him today.

Prayer

Hosanna to the Son of David! …Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! (Matthew 21:9; Luke 19: 38). Almighty God, I’m pleading with you for the countless cities, towns and communities teeming with Muslims; may they welcome Christ the King.

You alone are Almighty. You divided the Red Sea for the children of Israel, and they passed through on dry ground (Nehemiah 9:11). By your divine power you direct the hearts of kings as streams of water (Proverbs 21:1). Grant us freedom to preach the cross of Christ in Mecca, the city Muslims consider the holiest site on earth. May Jesus Christ reveal his glory there.

I am worshipping at your throne, Almighty God. I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that you are able to do far more than I could ever dream (2 Timothy 1:12). This is my hope and my confidence.

Praise and honor and glory and power belong to the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb for ever and ever (Revelation 5:13, SAB). Amen.

Promise

From the ends of the earth we hear singing: “Glory to the Righteous One” (Isaiah 24:16, NIV).