Have you ever concealed the fact that you are Christian? Perhaps because at your place of work or in your social circles being a follower of Christ is “not cool”? Some people are not afraid to stick their neck out for Jesus—or their arm. I recently met a young man who hails from a Muslim country and has become a Christian. Take a closer look at that tattoo. Notice how Jesus’ arm extends and into the man’s arm? An incredible piece of artistry. In some Islamic countries converting to Christianity can cost you: beatings, life in prison, or even death. Sadly, this man is in danger of being deported back to his homeland because the German authorities think he converted only to facilitate his immigration—and is not a true Christian. Would anyone get a tattoo like this and risk repercussions (even in Germany!) from Muslims and yet be a fake Christian? Seems very unlikely. Some people accuse us Lutherans of not doing good works—a strange accusation because Articles XX of the Augsburg Confession and the Apology of the AC explain in detail that good works are necessary for all Christians (as a *result* of our salvation, not in order to attain it). But also strange because every day Lutherans and Lutheran churches all over the world are doing very good works for their neighbors—helping them, loving them, and taking a stand for Christianity. Case in point: This man’s Lutheran (SELK) pastor and congregation are granting him and dozens of his countrymen church asylum, allowing them to live in their fellowship hall for six months until the legal issues are sorted out. Which brings us back to our brother: He, too, is doing a good work—bearing witness that Jesus Christ is His Savior and Redeemer. Even at the risk of severe persecution, he is most certainly “not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Thank you, brother, for confessing our Lord and Savior in your own unique way.
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