Quran Copies Slated to be Burned, Rescued by Christian Activist for Purpose of Prayer and the Love of Christ

Aimee Herd-Op/Ed : Sep 23, 2010
Staff - Associated Press

"For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them."

According to a report by the Associated Press, the 225 copies of the Quran which were set aside by Florida pastor Terry Jones to be burned a couple weeks ago have been salvaged by Rev. Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition.

Rev. Mahoney reportedly traveled to Gainsville hoping to convince Jones not to burn the books, after military, political and religious leaders had urged the Florida pastor to cancel the burning because of the danger of repercussions from Islamic terrorists.

Mahoney convinced Jones to turn over the copies of the Quran to him so he could distribute them to churches and Christian leaders who promise to "keep them as a reminder to pray for Muslims and share the love of Christ with them."

I?for one?am breathing a sigh of relief at the actions of Rev. Patrick Mahoney, who stepped into a highly contentious situation and acted in God's love and wisdom.

It's hard not to be reminded of a passage out of the book of Luke where Jesus is journeying to Jerusalem with His Disciples and the messengers they'd sent out before them?to a place in Samaria?were rejected by the people there. Disciples James and John reacted with a "righteous indignation" that was completely contrary to the constant example of love their Master had been exemplifying to them. (No wonder they were called the "sons of thunder.")

Luke 9: 52-56?"?as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, 'Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from Heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?'
But He turned and rebuked them, and said, 'You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them.'" (NKJV)

The passage says that Jesus "rebuked them" and then reminded them of His main purpose in coming to this earth?to save men's lives.

The actions of Rev. Mahoney seem to be in accordance with Jesus' purpose, as it is now our purpose as followers of Christ not to "destroy men's lives but to save them."

May each church and leader who receives one of these Qurans be moved with a burden to pray for a revelation of Jesus for Muslims everywhere.