There’s been plenty in the news lately about immigration reform, what to do about the “Dreamers,” building walls, protecting borders, etc. We live in a very polarized country right now, particularly when it comes to political issues, and the topic of immigration reform isn’t immune. Often good people end up on very different sides in the immigration debate.
So as a Bible teacher, I’m always asking the question: “What’s Gods take on this issue?” And a lot of time, quite frankly, God’s take isn’t what I expected, or even what I’ve been taught in church. So when I come to a passage of Scripture that begins with “Thus saith the Lord” or concludes with “declares the Sovereign Lord” I take notice. When God declares something, He’s not offering up a political ideology or a moral suggestion. It’s a declaration from Almighty God, and as such, it’s not up for discussion or debate.
Recently I was reading through the Old Testament book of Ezekiel. I don’t typically spend a lot of time there, just happened to be in the scriptural neighborhood. And toward the end of the book, I happened upon a surprising passage, three verses in particular. And they finished with those words, “declares the Sovereign Lord.” I thought they were particularly appropriate considering the current immigration discussion.
At this point in the book, God is giving Ezekiel a vision for the future, specifically about land use. He goes into great detail about national borders, then tribal borders within the national borders (think states), and He emphasizes there is to be equity. But then, God makes a staggering statement about immigration, people who have settled in the land from other nations, known as foreigners or aliens.
“You are to distribute this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners who have settled among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along with you they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. In whatever tribe the foreigner settles, there you are to give him his inheritance,” declares the Sovereign Lord. Ezekiel (47:21-23)
Wow! I wasn’t at all surprised to see that God was making sure there was land, an inheritance, for the tribes of Israel. But I was quite surprised to see that He insists that the foreigners are also included in that inheritance, and in His own words “You are to consider them as native-born Israelites.” In other words, you are to treat them like family…not foreigners..”
Interestingly enough, God mentions “and who have children.” The dreamers. Typically when a person leaves one country and settles in another, they’re either fleeing something bad (oppression or poverty) or pursuing something good (opportunity or peace) for their family. They want a better life for themselves, but even more so for their children. God understands that desire, and wanted to make sure that His people honored the foreigner and his family.
Treat them just like family.
This mirrors Jesus’ New Testament teaching in Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do for others what you would have them do for you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Treat others the way you want to be treated. Treat other people’s family the way you want your family to be treated.
In everything. Including immigration.
And just like God’s sovereign declaration in the Old Testament, this is a command from King Jesus. Not a suggestion. Not a political ideology. A command.
So in everything, let’s want for others what we want for ourselves and our families. Amen.
Photo courtesy of Joseph Gonzalez on Unsplash
Hey Bruce,
This is the same God who said in Deuteronomy 7:3,4 “and when the LORD your God delivers them before you and you defeat them, then you shall utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them and show no favor to them. 3″Furthermore, you shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor shall you take their daughters for your sons.”
And remember southerns back in the day used the bible to justify slavery (and they used plenty of scriptures to prove their point). I have not found one person from Central America who migrated to the USA legally who believes the illegal immigrants should be allowed to stay. When I have asked people in Honduras what do they think about this issue, everyone (without exception) believes the US should enforce border laws.
I believe we get into problems when we try to apply both Old and New Testament commands to our government. Maybe we need to start with the church, and when we start living as God expects, maybe our country will fall in line? And maybe if we heed the call to “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you [b]always, even to the end of the age.” maybe these issues will become secondary???
I have seen the affect illegal immigration has had on families and individuals. Illegals do not enjoy the protection of our justice system, and are often afraid to go to police when they are robbed. Many work hard and take care of their families. Others have learned how to receive welfare money from our government (Often learned through publications printed by the Mexican government). The Mexican government benefits greatly from the funds which go back to their country from the USA. And our government has turned a blind eye to this problem for far to long. Both Republicans and Democrats have had the opportunity to solve the problem, yet have chosen not to legally solve the issue as both sides have gained in both money and power. Our problem ignored has become a national crisis.
Agree wholeheartedly how we should treat people, no matter where they are from. That I am sure of.
Headed back to Honduras soon to care for and love my family there
That’s a good reminder Ron! Most of us are unaware of the negative effects illegal immigration has on the person immigrating. Thank you!
Good word and well spoken.
We have always allowed immigration in the US and we certainly should keep doing so. The tough question is how we are to weed out Philistines – whose intent is to come in and destroy. That is something both Israel back then and the US today were/are right to be concerned about.
You’re right David! This is one of the many issues that makes immigration so complex and one that we have to navigate carefully with discernment and prayer. Thank you for sharing brother! (Literally. Brother.)