Compassion, Justice and Truth in Immigration

Serena Repice Lentini on Unsplash

“As the ‘tired, poor and huddled masses’ seek a better life in America, let us be like Jesus and weave together compassion, justice and truth.”   

Emma Lazarus authored the poem, “The New Colossus,” which is emblazoned on a plaque beneath the Statue of Liberty. Part of it reads, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore, send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
 
The words were fitting for the immigrants who came to Ellis Island, near Lady Liberty, to begin their journey toward citizenship in America and the new opportunities it afforded them.  
 
The poem reflects the Christian ethic America was founded upon. One that welcomes strangers and helps the poor and needy. Jesus once said, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” (Matthew 25:35)
 
It has been said many times, that our country’s history reveals how America is a nation of immigrants. Therefore, we continue to welcome those who come here to seek a better life.    
 
Jesus’ family once had to flee their homeland. While still a baby, his parents escaped to Egypt from Israel. The family left quickly in order to protect Jesus from certain death, due to an order from King Herod to slaughter all baby boys two years old and younger, in the town of Bethlehem.  
 
Americans remember our history and the life of Jesus, when it comes to welcoming immigrants in our communities or at our borders; we strive to emulate the compassion of Christ.
 
But what about the justice of Christ?
 
Jesus had tax collectors’ approach one of his disciples and asked about the payment of a tax. Jesus commented on some injustice he saw in the tax, then said, “However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” (Matt. 17:27)
 
On other occasions, after Jesus healed people, He often gave them instructions in order to be in compliance with religious laws. We learn from Jesus, that though He was compassionate, He also subjected Himself to laws and commanded others to do likewise. We can reason this example in His parents, when they fled from Israel to Egypt, then back again; they did so lawfully.
 
Like Jesus, we must welcome and serve the stranger among us who is in need. And while doing so, submit ourselves to our nation’s laws and teach those whom we serve, to do the same.
 
But what if our laws seem uncompassionate? Should we not enforce or blatantly disobey them? That was not the example of Jesus. He was compassionate, while still obeying the law.
 
And what about the truth of Christ?
 
After Jesus was confronted by His opponents, He turned and spoke truth to them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? (Matt. 15:3) His words were an offense, but necessary to help them.  
 
It is true, that many immigrants come to America for a better life. But it is equally true that some do not. There are immigrants who transport deadly fentanyl across the border, others engage in human trafficking and some are criminals entering with ill intentions.
 
As the “tired, poor and huddled masses” come to America, we must show compassion, promote justice and speak the truth in love – just like Jesus.    
 
How can we bring change into unjust situations? Preach a message of repentance and faith in Christ. And when people do, their hearts can be transformed, which can lead to change in different areas of society. Then like Jesus, we must submit ourselves to those in authority, while questioning unjust laws and policies, to bring them in alignment with God’s Word.   
 
A prayer for you – Lord God, we pray for churches and other organizations showing compassion to the immigrants coming to our border. We pray for our local and federal government as they are the arm of justice. In the midst of this, O God, bring the gospel! Change hearts, that souls would follow after your ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunflowers and The Light of Jesus

Image by phfilipposarci from Pixabay

“I am the light of the world” - Jesus

The sunflower is the official flower of Kansas. It can reach upwards of 10 feet, with its bright yellow rounded flower standing atop of its long stem. A field of hundreds or thousands is a sight to behold. Aside from its stunning appearance, sunflowers have a unique feature that has been studied by many experts. First thing in the morning, the flower is facing the sun, then it follows the sun as it moves across the sky from east to west during the day.  

The sunflower is an illustration of the life-giving nature of light as its head follows the sun in the course of a day. It could not live without light, nor would any other plants, trees, bushes, animals or humans. Light is essential for our existence.

In the Bible, Jesus describes Himself, saying “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) What does this mean?

Jesus is the source of light. When He says, “I am the light…,” He is communicating how He is the eternally divine, self-existent source of light to the entire world. His source is Himself and He is not dependent on water, wind, nuclear fusion, gas, electricity or anything else. He IS THE LIGHT, which has both a physical and spiritual element to it.

Jesus was once praying on a mountain with some of His disciples. And as He was, something dramatic happened. The account says, “And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.” (Matthew 17:2) This was a physical manifestation of this supernatural light. It will one day fill the new heavens and new earth that is coming. The Bible predicts about the capital city of the new earth, saying “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light…” (Revelation 21:23)

Jesus’ light shines in the darkness. His blazing light goes wherever people are found. This is the purpose for which Jesus came, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46) The darkness He speaks of, is a moral one, where people live in lawless, immoral ways of the heart and life. Jesus came to penetrate this darkness with His radiant light. However, even though the light is before people they try to block it out, and build around themselves a disobedient life to remove any signs of light, like a walled room with no windows. Even so, Jesus’ light persists and is so strong, that it cannot be held back. The walls are not able to withstand heaven’s force, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5) 

Though our world cannot turn off the light of Jesus, they can reject it. But when they do, it is to their own peril, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil." (John 3:19-20) This is why people reject the most precious light of Jesus, they do not want to hear the truth.  

Jesus’ light opens the eyes of people. His light illuminates the mind, helping people to see the error of their ways, giving them ability to discern between right and wrong in their life, then persuading them to turn toward Christ with all their heart. 

Jesus’ light is life giving. As our earth’s sun provides life to the sunflower, and all living things, so does the light of Jesus. 

All people are born in spiritual darkness, and without life. They are among the living dead. However, when the light of Christ comes, it purges the darkness and brings new life. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray people would see Jesus as the light of the world. And when His light points out areas of failing, may they not block it out, but gratefully respond and walk in the life it gives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Should You Move in Together or Wait for Marriage?

Photo by Karen Warfel from Pixabay

“God did not intend that a son or daughter would leave their parents for their boyfriend or girlfriend, instead, He planned for them to leave their parents for their husband or wife.”

Should marriage simply be a relationship option? Meaning, couples should consider marriage as a first choice, because it is important. However, if they decide not to, then living together can be a solid second. Which of course, can lead to marriage later. What is your opinion?

Religions of the world advocate for and see the value in marriage such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism. Governments of the world have laws that recognize and encourage marriage. Yet, amid this, for generations there have been a steady increase of couples choosing to live together first, before marriage, or avoiding it altogether. In many situations now, people are hard pressed to find someone they know that has never lived with someone outside of marriage. It is an accepted cultural norm to avoid wedding bells and instead sleep with a person for one night or 20 years.

This begs an honest question. Why wait?

Let me respond by starting at the beginning, where marriage has its origins. God created humankind’s first man and woman, Adam and Eve. Then brought them together as husband and wife with this statement, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) Since that day, marriage has been a part of the fabric of our world across all cultures and religions.

“Shall leave” means a man and woman will both separate themselves from their parents. They purposefully leave behind dad and mom, in order to join themselves as husband and wife. What does this communicate? It demonstrates a serious and deep commitment to their spouse, where they yield all of themselves to one another, and shows they value their spouse, greater than their parents and all others.

God did not intend that a son or daughter would leave their parents for their boyfriend or girlfriend. Nor did He intend that parents would welcome a girlfriend to sleep with their son, in their own home. There is no thoughtful, dedicated and life-long commitment in this. It is a short-term, half-hearted way of thinking, that puts feelings of pleasure ahead of a serious and permanent commitment.

“Shall leave” refers to a fortification or strength. When a husband joins with a wife, they become one. They become stronger together through their mutual dedication. When couples simply move in together, there is not the same strength to draw on when tough times come, the feelings of attraction come and go, and days turn into months or years, because there is no marital commitment.

“Hold fast” means keeping close, as skin is to the bone. This relates to physical closeness, being near together in proximity. It communicates attraction, where a husband is drawn to his wife. It speaks of intimacy, when a man and woman join sexually and become one flesh. Lastly, this highlights loyalty. A husband “holds fast” to his wife, because he is loyal to her, come whatever may. Where is the demonstration of marriage-type loyalty in a live-in relationship?

Millions are living together with their boyfriends or girlfriends. Though it is popular and many are choosing this path, if you are one of those, will you reconsider and chart a new course for yourself? God wants His best for you. Follow His path, even if you walk it alone among your friends.

Though you have fallen short of God’s standard, through Jesus your guilt can be removed, and your shame washed away. Christ shed His blood, died and rose again to give you new life. But there is a price.

You must be willing to stop sleeping with the one you are not married to, and turn fully to Jesus by faith. This is repentance. Then His glorious gift of forgiveness will be yours.

Today, decide to change the future of your family tree.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray for the one who is living together with someone he or she is not married to. Bring them to ponder your truth and be persuaded to turn from their sin and follow your ways. Bring them newness of life and freedom this hour. In Jesus’ name. Amen.