The "Untouchables"

I've been reading a book by Ergun and Emir Caner entitled Out of the Crescent Shadows. Basically, they tell about Muslim women and what they believe, compared to what we believe. It's a very eye-opening book. (A very good read for anyone who's interested)

In one section of the book, Muslims are compared to the Samaritans back in Jesus' day. They are almost considered "untouchable." Everything about Muslims, the way they dress, act, eat, worship, etc., is much different than what we're used to, so we don't go near them. We avoid them in fact. The Samaritans were descendants of Jews and Assyrians, so they were considered half-breeds. Jewish people wouldn't have ANYTHING to do with them or their land. In fact, the very devout would travel days out of their way to avoid going near the land of Samaria. These were truly "untouchable."

I want you to keep this in mind while I share a familiar verse with you. "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8 KJV) Jesus is giving instructions in this verse. It is a command. Mostly Jews are listening. He tells them to go to Jerusalem (their capital), Judaea (their country), and in Samaria - OH NO! Anything but Samaria!! They were told to go to the people they considered to be the lowest of the low and preach the gospel! Then, He commands to go to the rest of the earth. Jesus specifically tells them to go to these people. As the author puts it, "If you do not go to Samaria, the Lord reasoned, then how shall you go to the rest of the world?"

I considered that was a very intriguing thought. I knew of that verse. I even knew that the Samaritans were considered almost sub-human. I never put the two together. But the audience who was listening to Jesus would have understood the meaning. WOW! I really do see the comparison between the two people groups. If we're not willing to proclaim the name of Christ to those who are in utter darkness, in bondage to this religion, how shall we go to the rest of the world?

It's very interesting how the culture of that day brings new light to a very familiar verse.