This morning, I opened up to where I ended yesterday: Exodus (whew, do I have a long way to go!). Exodus 22:21 reads:
Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt.
Later in the next chapter, aliens are again discussed. Exodus 23:9 says:
Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be an alien because you were aliens in Egypt.
Now, I have never been to Egypt and I would never consider myself as having been an “alien” in any point of my life but I still feel that this instruction applies to us today.
The 2006 census recorded that 0.8 percent of the US population identifies themselves as Native American. Not even 1 percent! So, dear reader, it is almost a certainty that your great-great-umpteenth-great grandpappy and mammy descended from some far away land. They migrated here hoping to gain access to increased wages, a higher quality education, and better living conditions for themselves and their family. No matter the reason, they would still be considered—duhn duhn duhn—an alien. Their decision has affected their entire alien family line—all the way up to you.
[smartads]Many people—many who say they are Christians—are very much opposed to other peoples migrating to “our” land. What if all those years ago your distant relative was not allowed to live here?
I am not very political so maybe there are valid reasons as to why so many people are against “aliens.” Please share. I must pose these questions, though: In the battle between Jesus and politics, who wins? How would Jesus feel about illegal aliens in the United States?
I feel that God cannot be taken out of the equation—ever. I cannot hold a Christian viewpoint for certain issues, and then switch to a worldly viewpoint for other issues. I am a Christian all the time. My opinions and decisions are based on my love for God and His will.
I personally do not have a problem with immigrants in “our” country. Do you? Why or why not? What do you think God feels about this issue?
