Hot Topics: Immigration/Xenophobia
You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.
Exodus 22:21 (NLT)
He [God] shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing.
Deuteronomy 10:18 (NLT)
“ ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or as a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for Me, either.’ These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Matthew 25:44-46 (NASB)
As a prequel to this red-hot topic, I offer a personal back story:
A few years ago, a cousin of mine took the time to research our ancestors. We’d heard stories, but what really happened? We learned when they came, but more crucially, the reason they left EVERYTHING behind… for the strange new land of America!
It involved serfdom, bondage, rape, revenge, and a daring young couple's great escape. They were gritty and gutsy pioneers, fleeing tyrants to find a better life.
Admittedly, I'm partial to pilgrims, because the Lord says that we're pilgrims, too. Our ACTUAL home’s not here. It’s Heaven! And this world is our short-term assignment.
For “citizens” of the United States (or Canada, a land I’ve come to love:), for anyone who’s not indigenous… we live as descendants of immigrants, who bravely ventured forth to lands unknown!
Re: Today’s immigration disputes…
That nations, including America, are fearfully, hatefully disputing,
I offer some personal opinions:
I don't think our borders should be open, but I'd like to see an easier path for others seeking new lives, as we did. Loving our neighbors is God's directive.
I don't agree about the loss of jobs, fearing that immigrants will make them scarce. I trust our exceeding, abundant God can create more than enough for us all.
I will not speak political hate talk, because hate is a tool of the devil. But I will open my mouth and my arms as best I can and without contention.*
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
You’re God’s assigned “welcoming committee”. As stated in both Bible Testaments, as personified by Jesus, the Man, as exemplified in His ministry…
He not only loved without exclusion, but pointed His love to ‘the least’ of us. I urge all of us to follow His lead!
Hot Topics: Immigration/Xenophobia (Part 39)
* Previous Devotions:
* Poor People, Our Gates:
https://careylewisdevotions.com/poor-people-part-18-our-gates
* Write Nobody Off:
https://careylewisdevotions.com/do-gooders-part-40-write-nobody-off
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!