One Pomegranate Isn't Enough
Our Urdu language tutor took us into one of the most compelling conversations we have ever had. Everything about the restaurant we were in on that day was quite ordinary, except for the tall glasses of chilled, fresh pomegranate juice our waiter brought to the table. Shimmery water droplets were beginning to accumulate on the exterior of our glasses. We blotted them dry with napkins and grabbed at the short straws that threatened to submerge into our drinks.
We sipped our nectar slowly. It was wonderful to think that something so delicious could actually be very good for us. The moment’s reverie inspired Mr. Noor* to quote a proverb that has since taken hold of our hearts.
Slowly and somberly he enunciated the words “Ek anar, sau bimar.”
“Huh?” I responded, as polite nervousness overtook the look on my face. “One pomegranate, one-hundred sick people?” Was the velvety liquid that enraptured our taste buds about to sabotage my stomach? I always had to be ultra-careful about what I ate and drank when we were out and about.
Mr. Noor continued to explain that the pomegranate’s deliciousness and health-full qualities make it a cherished commodity. “Yes, it’s precious,” he said, “but it’s also too pricey for many of my country’s people.”
“Ek anar, sau bimar” is a South Asian proverb that reflects on the ironic state of impoverished circumstance, no matter where it exists. There is a pomegranate, but there are 100 people who need its juice to make them well. There simply is not enough to go around. The reach of its blessing is barely measurable.
If we were to stand the world’s Muslim women shoulder to shoulder in a line, that line would wrap itself around the world more than eleven times. The line of Christian women—who are on record as being committed to share the gospel with Muslim women—would be about 83 miles long. That short line of Christian women will never be enough to reach the world’s 850 million Muslim ones.
Are you ready to step out and share faith with a Muslim friend? Even if she is your near neighbor, she probably has never once heard the truth about Jesus. She needs you to share it with her. Jesus has already asked you to be involved.
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see Muslim women like You do. By the power of Your Spirit, help me to share Your good news by example and with words that come from You. Amen.