Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Embracing the migrants and refugees

Bible Reading:  Leviticus 19:33-37

Key verse

33 : When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not ill treat them

DEVOTION

Lord Jesus during his public ministry, explained the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven to the learned as well as the common people. In one such discourse, Jesus explained to a learned Pharisee that the Greatest Commandment is to “Love the Lord your God…He also added ‘Love your neighbor’ as the second commandment. He went on to say that the whole Law and the Prophets rest on these two principles (Matthew 22:35-40).

The history of Jewish community tells the story of a group of people accustomed to a nomadic way of life. In modern times, they assumed a national identity only decades ago. Due to continuous struggle for resources and following God’s Law under persecution, they were alienated from other communities around them. It was justified because this was the only available path for survival.

During Jesus’ time, they were scattered among pagan communities under Roman rule. But Jesus reminded them that even under severe adverse situations, the requirements of God’s Law do not change. The Pharisee community was very keen on following the letter of the Law. But Jesus turned their attention to the spirit of the Law by adding “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Embracing true migrants and refugees is an extension of this principle. It is true that God elected and appointed Israel as a people for His mission to deal with the disobedient humankind. He brought forth Jesus Christ as the Saviour for the whole world from the house of Israel. Lord Jesus, through His teachings and admonition, attempted to revive the people of Israel and bring them to the right path. The parable of ‘Good Samaritan’ is an example in this context. The spiritual response of Israel as a people, was disappointing to God. Jesus started building His church from His twelve disciples. During His public ministry, He welcomed Jews and Gentiles alike. He taught them, blessed them and healed them.

Extending a helping hand to those in need is the core mission of the church along with spreading the good news. The world is going through a traumatic series of ecological disasters at the present time. As a result, the number of people facing starvation and diseases are at an alarming rise. The church must alleviate the danger facing numerous communities by mobilizing its resources and using them to distribute goods and services at demanding locations. The role of the church does not tantamount to the role of the nation. Every nation must implement rules and regulations as required by different situations. As Apostle Paul advised the church of Corinth of decency and order, the administration of assistance must be carried out in an orderly fashion at national and international level.
 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, give us the understanding to be your instruments in this world and help us by the Holy spirit to provide help and comfort to the destitute and the needy. Amen.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked” - Psalms 146:9


Abraham Mammen

Sehion Mar Thoma Church, Dallas

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