| It was frigid on an early December morning when Jerome slid the key to unlatch the lock, like any other day. As owner of Kafa Coffees and Teas, he came to open the shop before the sun rose every morning, when his regular patrons passed through on their way to work. By all external signs, Jerome thought this day seemed like any other, but something inside told him that this day might be different. He started prep work in the shop and turned on the radio, when he heard an advertisement that made him wince: "...So get them everything they deserve this Christmas. It’s the reason for the season." I pity anyone who has that shallow a view of Christmas, he thought to himself. Then suddenly, the realization struck him that he had not yet set up his nativity scene, a representation of the real reason for the season. With everything else ready for his early morning regulars, Jerome went to the back room and dug out his ceramic nativity scene. Exactly as he had remembered leaving it, the pieces were snugly secured in the original packaging that he had been very careful to preserve. He placed the wooden manger on a ledge perpendicular to the front window, where passers-by would be able to see it, but he also could gaze upon it every once in a while from behind the counter. Silent Night started to play on the radio as he was putting the last few pieces in place, when his first customer came through the door. Strangely, this was a man he had never seen before. Normally the sunrise customers are always the same gruff but friendly people, heading out to their same old jobs every day – Jim, Bob, Al, Suzie, Carl...but Jerome could tell that this man, with olive skin, deep brown eyes, and a well kept beard, was probably not from the area. A chill ran down his spine. He had been praying for Muslims recently, and this morning had said a simple prayer, Lord, if this is really something you want me to do with my life, open the doors for opportunity, and I will take them. Could this be the opportunity he was waiting for? He couldn’t be certain, but from the looks of the man, he very well could be. "Hi there," Jerome said with a warm smile, dusting off his hands as he retreated behind the counter, "how can I serve you this morning?" "What kind of coffee you have?" the man said through a thick Mediterranean accent. "Well, we have a very wide variety here. Is there a particular kind you are looking for?" "Yes. When I live in Turkey, I always drink Turkish coffee, early, before the sun wakes up." The man seemed hesitant to ask, but went ahead, "and do you....make Turkish coffee?" "You know, you are in luck my friend!" Jerome exclaimed with big smile, "I just made Turkish coffee for my wife yesterday morning, for the first time ever. Good stuff! And the history behind it, as the original coffee, is amazing. That is wonderful that you are from Turkey! The first coffee house ever was located in Istanbul, so I guess you could say Turkish coffee is my inspiration!" 1 The Turkish man became so excited and animated, that he thrust his arm across the counter and wildly shook Jerome’s hand, saying, "You are indeed a blessing from God, and a good friend. Since coming to America, there has been no peace and quiet, especially with Christmas coming. But I believe I have found the friend I have been praying for. My name is Abdullah." Jerome was taken aback by the man’s excitement, and God’s definite work in this situation. He shook his hand back with a firm grip, "Mine’s Jerome. I’m glad to be your friend," he said, as he turned to begin the preparations for the Turkish coffee. "And I know what you mean about the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. I think we have it all wrong. In fact, I just heard an advertisement on the radio right before you came in. It was saying how the reason for the season is the gifts we give each other. That is not it at all." He pointed to the nativity scene, "Now that’s the reason for the season." Abdullah’s face instantaneously changed from exuberance to deep disturbance. "What now? I never understand you Christians. You get all confused about giving and getting, and even God! You are telling me that the reason you celebrate is that your God came and slept with a virgin and made her become pregnant, who bore a Son, who was supposed to be the same as God? It makes no sense!" 2 Jerome was shocked to hear such a radical interpretation. "I suppose that’s similar to the concept we hold as Christians, except God put the Holy Spirit on Mary so she would become pregnant. He did not sleep with her. If He did, that would negate the doctrine of the virgin birth, which is necessary to Christian doctrine, as it has been a theology taught from the very beginning, and clearly seen in Scripture." 3 "Regardless," Abdullah asserted, "as a Christian, you believe in three Gods – God the Father, God the Mother, and God the Son. Do you not see the error of this way? We Muslims cannot accept such belief." 4 Jerome was not prepared to answer such charges, "Well...I...umm...He’s not three separate beings, and Mary certainly is not part of the Trinity, if that is what you are referring to..." "But Jesus! You believe in Jesus as the Son of God, as Him being equal with God. As it says in our Koran, ‘Far be it from Allah to have a son; Allah forbid!’ I do not understand how Christians can say they believe in one God, and yet worship both a Father and a Son. It makes no sense!"5 Realizing that this could be his chance to guide Abdullah to the Truth, Jerome inquired with a sincere smile, "Then may I attempt to explain it to you, friend?" Abdullah grinned back, "As long as I may ask you to clarify along the way, and as long as you try to understand Islam." "That’s a deal," confirmed Jerome as he turned back to skim the foam, putting it in two cups, in preparation for serving the coffee. Thirty seconds later, he and Abdullah sat together in a corner booth, sipping their Turkish coffee. "So, let’s see if we can make some sense of this discrepancy about the seemingly multiple gods that Christianity declares," said Jerome, "Now, the key concept to keep in mind is that Christianity does, indeed, teach that there are three distinct personalities, or modes of being, but that these three parts make up one, indivisible God. This point is definitely very confusing, because people ask, ‘how can three be one, or one be three?’" 6 Abdullah confirmed his confusion and dismay with a slow nod, big eyes, and fat lip. As Jerome was in middle of speaking, Al – one of Jerome’s regular sunrise patrons – walked through the door. "Mornin’ Jer! House special today?" Jerome was slightly irritated by the interruption, but politely said, "Café mocha with a shot of caramel. You know the drill, help yourself. Add an extra shot of whatever you want at no cost." Al gave a teeth-baring smile (revealing a golden tooth and a hole where one used to be), then ducked behind the counter. "Anyway, it’s a tough thing to fully grasp, how one can be three, or three can be one. Any of our analogies falls short of who God actually is. So let’s not look at analogies right now. Rather, let’s consider first what roles each part of the Trinity plays. First, God the Father, who would be comparable to Allah, is the figure who created everything and everyone, who is so far above His creation, yet loved us so much that He wants to be involved in whatever way possible to bring humans to Himself, to have a relationship with them, and know them, and for them to know Him. This brings us to the Son, Jesus, who was God in the flesh on earth, whose life, death, and resurrection made it possible to restore that relationship with the Father. Finally comes the Holy Spirit, who works in our individual hearts. Again, this is still the same being as God, but through a different means, working in individuals’ hearts and lives to guide them in their journey toward the life that God has for them to fulfill. So, God is One, He is Savior, and He is Spirit, but still all One God." 7 Al finished making his mocha, put a lid on it, and handed Jerome a five dollar bill. "Keep the change," he said, "mocha’s mighty fine today, but I guess that’s a compliment to myself! I heard what you boys was talkin’ about, and I couldn’t help but think that I might be of service to you. Maybe the Trinity is like coffee: the beans, the water, and creamer each do somethin’ different, but when they’re together, mmm-hmm! What a mighty God we serve, eh?" And with that, Al tipped his weather-worn hat and walked out the door. "So, God is like...coffee?" Abdullah puzzled, scratching his chin, "I see more of what you think now, but it is still very confusing." With a sudden scowl he added, "And I do not think God is like coffee." "Al’s a good guy. A little rough around the edges, but he’s got a good heart. Anyway, his analogy was not bad. It actually expressed the three parts, one whole concept very well." "But how can God be coffee?" Abdullah indignantly extorted, "There is not respect for God here, no fear of Him. In Turkey, you cannot just go around calling God coffee. Someone would kill you! This is the problem with Christians here. You all think too little of God. You think He is like coffee, and that He is a man! With one breath you worship Him, and with another, you use His name as a curse. Perhaps Jesus never even intended to be worshiped as God. This is another area of idolatry for Christians. You worship a man." 8 "Ah, yes," Jerome replied, "He may be fully man, but is He just a man? Certainly not." As he was speaking, the door swung open, and two more of Jerome’s early morning regulars came through the door – Jim and Bob. They appeared to be in a conversation of their own, "...and so, Jim, I says to her, ‘No hun, it’s both! It’s a vacuum cleaner and a blow dryer.’ Hey Jerome, special’s the caramel mocha today, eh?" "You are correct, Bob. Do you guys know how to make it for yourself?" "Yeah, for sure!" Jim said, as Bob nodded his approval, "I’ve always wanted to try my hand at it. Maybe I’ll open my own coffee shop after this, and get out of the blasted cold! Come on, Bob, let’s let these fine gentlemen continue their conversation." They continued their own, just above a whisper. Jerome continued where he had left off with Abdullah, "So, Jesus might have been completely a man, but He was not a man only. He was also completely God. The titles He uses to refer to Himself give evidence of both sides of existence." Abdullah’s face lit up with that comment, "Ah, but on this, you are mistaken, my friend. I have read some of the Christian and Jewish books, and I know that ‘Son of God’ was used in first century Jewish literature in speaking of human beings. Also, there is an instance in the book of Enoch, in which a heavenly being is referred to as ‘Son of Man.’ Thus your point is left null and void."9 He sat back and folded his arms across his chest in triumph. "Bravo! Very well done. You have done your research," Jerome exclaimed. Inside, he was ashamed that he knew less about these titles than the one whom he was trying to educate. Jim and Bob each brought their monthly tab to Jerome, paid him, and nodded their thanks as they slipped out the door. Outside, the sun had just risen over the eastern sky, and life was beginning to stir. People were frequenting the streets more often, but to Jerome, no one existed besides Abdullah at the moment. He felt dangerously close to pushing him to the point where Abdullah would never want to speak to him again. God had given him this opportunity, and it seemed as if he would blow it! He prayed silently before turning back to Abdullah, Lord, I know you have given me this opportunity. I want to be Your vessel. I cannot speak my words any longer. Allow me to operate only out of Your Spirit. I know You want to reach Abdullah. May what I say bring him closer and not drive him away. Amen. "You see, in Islam, all is about Allah, the One True God, and being submitted to His will. Do you see why bowing the knee to Jesus, a man, is hard for me to believe? To me, God is One. He cannot be more, or else He is not God. Jesus is not God, nor is Mohammed God. Muslims believe that Mohammed was God’s prophet, His messenger, but not His Son, or Himself. He revealed His word to Him, through the angel, Gabriel, which existed from the beginning of time. Just as the Jews have their prophet, Moses, through whom the word of God was revealed, and the Christians have Jesus, through whom the word of God came, so we Muslims believe that Mohammed was the final revelation of God. This is why we cannot accept belief in Jesus as more than a prophet. To say that this prophet is God Himself...it makes no sense."10 This seemed to be a very sincere and heartfelt sentiment from Abdullah. Jerome could see the longing in his eyes, as if he knew there were more out there. He prayed again that he could effectively offer it to him. "Abdullah, I totally hear you in your confusion. It seems we can spend our whole lives trying to figure some of these things out, and never fully understand. But it is very honorable that you are trying to understand. Would you agree that some of the things about God are too far beyond us to comprehend?" Abdullah nodded. "And would you say that no matter how hard we try, we will always fall short of the unsurpassable glory of God?" "Yes." "If we fall short of His glory then, we are subject to judgment. The only One who can pardon the debt and forgive sins is the One against whom we sin. I’m sure you know about the sacrificial system in the Old Testament. This was an attempt to rectify the situation, by demanding blood for sinful acts – this is justice, to satisfy God, which I’m sure you well know. But it was only a shadow of what was to come. You see, the blood of animals cost God nothing, and the people only a relatively small sum of money. The debt was much greater than what could be paid by the price of an animal, or even a human life. The price had to be satisfied by One who knew His purpose, who was blameless and spotless, who would willingly give up His life, in a mighty victory. It had to be God, in order for the sacrifice to forgive sins, and He had to be a man in order to be able to pay the price," with a tear welling up in his eye, Jerome continued, "this man, who came and died, was the ultimate showing of God our Savior, a concept I know you agree with. This was Jesus Christ. His death was predicted long before His arrival on earth, which gave Him the determination to be crucified." 11 Abdullah was obviously thinking heavily about this. Of course he would be. He had lived his whole life in opposition to seeing Jesus as God, so he would not quickly jump to a decision, and this was good. Jerome knew that God was really working in Abdullah’s heart, but also in his own. Some of the things Abdullah said really struck him. Had he not feared God the way he should all these years? Abdullah spoke softly, "It is hard for me to understand the crucifixion. How can such a terrible death be victory? And how can this be justice, if the one to whom the debt is owed is the one paying the price? How can this be an act of God’s mercy if He allowed the innocent Jesus to suffer something He did not deserve? And does this allow any wicked man to be forgiven? The cross is ugly feeling, but strangely, something you say about it makes it sound...somewhat appealing. I think I start to see the victory of which you speak, if any of this is the Truth."12 "Yes, it is victory because He conquered humanity’s greatest enemies: sin, death, and Satan. It is justice because the price was satisfied, paid in full, by One who could pay it. It is mercy, because the only other alternative would have been to let His people, whom He loved, but who rejected Him, be eternally separated from Him because of their sin. Finally, it is part of the greatest victory that indeed any wicked man may be forgiven. To quote from the Old Testament book Ezekiel, showing this is to bring salvation to anyone, ‘...I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it’ (17:24)." Jerome wondered how he even knew that passage! He hadn’t recited it that way since he had memorized the verse in Sunday School when he was nine. Abdullah was very impressed, but also still perplexed by all that Jerome had been talking about. After a long silence, he finally said, "I think I am beginning to know how you see things. Thank you for helping me better understand what Christians believe. I realize how you view Jesus more now: not as being an idol against God, but as being the man who is the Savior. I can see now how the Three can be One. God is One, He is Savior, and He is Spirit, but always One. But still, God is not coffee!" They shared a good, hard laugh. Jerome sighed, and said, "You know I should be the one thanking you. I know I did a lot of the talking and explaining of the Christian viewpoint, but just your respect for who God is, and how you view everything through that healthy fear of Him; that speaks to me. I think we Christians would be better served if we could learn from the fear of God that you Muslims exhibit. We are far too trite, I’m afraid. If we ever speak in the future and you think I am getting close to that point, please do me a favor and tell me." Abdullah was warmed by that honest sentiment, reached his hand across the table and said, "That’s a deal. You may do the same. I will surely be coming back. This is some of the best Turkish coffee I have ever tasted!" He winked, then added, "The fellowship is not bad either." Just then, Suzie came bursting through the doors. The hefty police officer was every bit as masculine as one of the guys, but today she seemed more harried than usual. She directly approached the table, obviously not in the mood for coffee. "Hey Suzie, something I can do for you?" Jerome inquired. "Jerome, I need to have a word with you. It should only take a minute" Suzie said with deep concern in her eyes. Jerome glanced over to Abdullah who motioned that he should go, then he joined Suzie at a table across the shop. "I don’t know what to do," Suzie said as Jerome sat across from her. "What’s the problem?" Jerome asked. "My son...he’s in trouble. He’s been to the casino lately, and wracked up a huge debt, and he just lost his job. I’ve done everything I can to help him, but I’m out of money myself now, and I know the tab is due this week, and I have a huge bill. I’ve been meaning to tell you, but I haven’t felt I could break it to you. I’m so sorry." "Oh Suzie, that’s okay. You pay me when you can." Just then Abdullah tapped Jerome on the shoulder and said, "Thanks for a good time, my friend, and you have touched me more than will ever know. I will certainly see you again." As he shook Jerome’s hand, he slipped something into it, then he turned around and walked out the door. Jerome looked in his hand, and saw, to his surprise, that Suzie’s name was sprawled roughly across a folded napkin. "I think this is for you," he said. He handed her the napkin, and when she opened it, she started crying. "A blank check!" she exclaimed. Handing the napkin back to Jerome, he read the barely decipherable, but heartfelt message, "In a much smaller way: both mercy and justice, the way Christ Jesus sees it. Your price is paid." |
