"What Would Jesus Do" About The Immigration Dilemma?
- Apr 9, 2015
- 4 min read
WWJD About the Immigration Dilemma?
Of course, it stretches our finite minds to ask ourselves “What would Jesus do?” about some of the challenging issues that confront us today. Yet as Christians we challenge ourselves to discern the mind of Christ, since we intend to live as directed by Christ through his Holy Spirit.
Perhaps no issue is more challenging and more relevant today than the “immigration issues” that confront our country at this time in our history. So let's consider (conjecture) ... What would Jesus do about Immigration?
What would Jesus do? Well, one day he will reign over all the earth as supreme ruler, and with total knowledge and power he will solve these problems perfectly. We can't do the same things that He will do when that time comes.
For now, let's change the focus from WWJD? to WWJHMD? (What Would Jesus Have Me Do?). Maybe Jesus' counsel to us, for our time, would reflect considerations like the ones below, based on principles like the following (given to us in his Word).
Let's consider what God said about some related concepts.
To ordinary “citizens” (not public policy decision makers) . . . Here's what God said about “duty to strangers”
"Thou shall not vex a stranger, nor oppress him, for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Exodus 23:9). Do not take advantage of the “strangers” among you. Live by your Godly principles, your conscience, and by your laws (until and unless they are changed).
"But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shall love him as yourself..." (Leviticus 19:34). Personally show love and grace to strangers among you and treat them as you would wish to be treated.
"I was a stranger, and ye took me in . . . " (Matthew 25:35). Encourage your public policy makers to resolve these issues by making laws that are just, equitable, and that recognize the framework of grace under which we live in God's providence.
To “strangers” (those who don't have legal status as residents) . . . What does God say about respect for laws and government?
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. … the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1). Recognize that governments have rights, under God, to make laws and to bring violators of laws to account.
"And whosoever will not do the law … of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him... whether it be unto … banishment... or to imprisonment" (Ezekiel 7:26). Recognize that ”banishment and imprisonment” have been mentioned in the Bible as reasonable consequences for such as will not abide by just laws
"Submit yourself to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake..." (1 Peter 2:13). Acknowledge, at least to yourself, any laws you may have broken, and recognize your need to make amends and come into compliance with all laws. While seeking for relief, under grace, resolve to stand in truth, and to accept lawful consequences of wrong-doing.
"And seek the peace of the city . . . and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace" (Jeremiah 29:7). Work for and pray for the well-being of the place to which you have journeyed, for their good and for your own.
"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land" (Isaiah 1:19). Trust that if you submit to the ways of truth, honesty, and integrity, God will reward you and allow you to thrive.
To “law makers” (and those involved in setting public policy) . . .
What God said about .. dealing justly with the powerless.
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2). Be careful how you deal with “strangers”, recognizing that God may test a person or nation by how they deal with the disadvantaged. Remember that some, thinking they dealt with strangers, actually dealt with angels of whom they were not aware.
"God regardeth not persons... He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger..." (Deuteronomy 10: 17 – 19) . . . "Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow." (Deuteronomy 27:19) . God doesn't consider some people "more deserving" than others. He desires to see fair treatment and a good outcome for everyone.
And what God said about ownership of “the land” and “the world”
"The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof..." (Psalms 24:1) . . . "for all the earth is mine...." (Exodus 19:5) . . . "the land is mine.." (Leviticus 25:23). Don't approach these considerations with a sense of entitlement, but rather with gratitude that God has allowed you to have a land that others desire to come into.
And what God said about “sins of the father”...
"The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son..." (Ezekiel 18:20). People who are here because of illegal acts by their parents should not be considered criminals themselves.
To all involved I think perhaps the Lord would say something like the following:
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). Let's talk together and look for a solution. Although there have been violations, and there is therefore guilt, full reconciliation is possible.
"But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream" (Amos 5:24). Our goal should be a just and fair outcome for all involved.
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