Illegal Immigration: WWJD???
Illegal immigration is such a hot topic in our nation. I hear of priests and ministers who call the Arizona law a racist law. I hear of other ministers who support a crackdown on illegal immigration. What does the Bible say? What would Jesus do? Let's take a crack at it today.
Borders and boundaries are important in the Scripture. When God gave the land to Israel, He established their borders. The Israelites knew the boundaries of the promise land. When the Israelites tried to pass through the the land of the Amorites, they asked for permission (Num. 21:21-22). They did not presume the right to enter another nation's territory without seeking permission to do so.
As a homeowner, I own property. I expect my neighbor to respect the boundaries of my property. I would be upset if he helped himself to my land or home without permission from me.
As a person, I have a boundary called my skin or body. People are not allowed to violate my body. They must ask permission to invade my space. When a man violates a woman's body, this is called rape. It is wrong.
I'm saying all this to establish the fact that boundaries and borders are scriptural and necessary. Without respect to boundaries and borders, there would be chaos.
Nations also create laws. Laws are to be obeyed. Romans 13 talks about obeying the laws of the land. The devil is the lawless One. Sin is lawlessness. Citizens and foreigners are expected to obey the laws of the land. That includes the laws of immigration. A nation that cannot enforce its laws will descend into lawlessness.
America is a compassionate country. It is the land of opportunity. It is the home of the free and brave. It has always welcomed immigrants. The statue of liberty testifies to our commitment to welcome foreigners to our land. My ancestors immigrated from Germany in the early 1900's. Most of us who read this blog had ancestors that immigrated from another country to America. The U.S.A. is the melting pot of the world. Immigration is a strength to America. People are an asset to the nation.
Here are my summary thoughts on illegal immigration.
1. Our country needs to have enforceable borders.
2. The laws of immigration need to be obeyed and enforced.
3. Immigrants need to enter legally and lawfully.
4. America needs to welcome immigrants and consider them an asset not a burden.
I would like to hear your thoughts. Pastor Tim
Illegal Immigration
Pastor Tim,
I came from Cuba in 1967, legally. It was a struggle for my parents to be able to leave and then to establish themselves here in the USA. I love this country, I am a naturalized American Citizen and I totally agree with your thoughts.
We (Americans) need to control the illegal immigration problem. And people from other countries that want to come and live here should respect our laws. There would be none or a lot less chaos if things would have been done the right way.
Some people are surprised at my opinion on this issue, just because I came from another country does not mean I agree with doing things the wrong way.
Thanks Marta
I appreciate your input on the blog. You certainly have first hand experience on immigration. I believe there are many immigrants in this country who came to America legally that don't support those who broke the laws of the country as illegal immigrants.
What would Jesus do? I don't think he would encourage people to break the law. I do think he would be compassionate to those who are here legally. I think he would speak to those who are here illegally to enter the right way. In John 10:1-2 Jesus says this, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep." In this passage, the Lord is emphasizing the importance of entering correctly and legally into the sheepfold. The principle holds true to entering nations, churches, and relationships. Things need to be done lawfully, correctly, and righteously. God never encourages lawlessness.
Blessings, Pastor Tim