Religion Police

In Muslim Countries

Friday, June 19, 2020

In some areas of the Muslim world (such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, parts of Indonesia, and the Gaza Strip) the Religion Police or the Morals Police work to keep people in line with the religious practices of Islam. Usually they are bands of extremist zealots who, for the sake of enforcing “right” and forbidding “wrong,” commit horrendous atrocities. They harshly punish anyone who dares to challenge or assail Islam by words or by actions. They reserve the severest punishment for those who choose to follow Christ.

In at least one Muslim country the Religion Police have powers that sometimes surpass both civilian and military authorities.

Prayer

Almighty God, you are great in glory and infinite in majesty. I do not find it easy to pray for these people. They abuse your children. They torture those who do not believe as they do. So I seek your grace to help me forgive as I have been forgiven.

Lord Jesus, we are reminded of Saul of Tarsus who, in his misguided zeal, persecuted your children. The Religion Police agents act a lot like Saul. Manifest your glory to them as you did to Saul. Do with them as you did with Peter: Turn and look straight at them so that they can realize their sin and weep bitterly in shame, conviction, and repentance. May they place their faith in you. You alone can soften their hard hearts towards you and your followers. Break their resistance, O Jesus, with the love that brought you to earth and sent you to the cross.

Only you, Divine Master, can change their hearts and bring them to the Kingdom of Christ. With eyes of faith I see many former members of the Religion Police worshipping at the throne of the Lamb, singing his praises and giving him glory and honor (Revelation 5:6-10). In his name I pray. Amen.

Promise

It’s hard for a mortal like you to resist God…. Reform your ways and your actions and obey the LORD your God. Then the LORD will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you (Acts 26:14, GW; Jeremiah 26:13, NIV).