The Scriptural Treatment Of Immigrants. 08/20/2015 (Evening thought)

Leviticus 24:22 Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the Lord your God.

Exodus 23:9 Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

These two verses of scripture, when put together, give us a clear idea of the Biblical treatment of strangers, foreigners, and immigrants of other countries, who may reside among the general populace. The passages specifically state that no biases or preferences should be shown, when interacting with immigrants, for they are to be treated in the exact same manner, as those who are legal citizens. This particular issue has become very toxic in our day, for there are those who vehemently insist that this is "Our country", because of having being born here, and as a result, there are certain rights and privileges that cannot apply to the stranger or immigrant.

This mode of thought is not based in the scriptures, and is one that is held by those who may not understand that the earth is The Lord's, and the fullness thereof, and even though we have laws and statutes like any other government, yet we must remember that it is because of God's kindness that He permits us to live in His world, and as such, that same mercy and kindness should be extended to our fellowmen, regardless of whether they are here legally or not. This is not to say that foreigners should be encouraged to migrate without first consulting the laws of a particular country, for the same Bible tells us that we are to be subject to the powers that be, for they are ordained of God. Let's read:

Romans 13:1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same.

However, God will have us understand, that once the immigrants or strangers are dwelling in the country, they are not to be denied the necessities of life, such as food raiment and shelter. And furthermore, if they are able and willing to work, they should be allowed due process, so that they can provide for themselves and their families, for as stated before, all countries on this planet belong to God, and He has not given one set of people jurisdiction over a particular piece of real estate, so that other human beings of different races and ethnic identities, may be excluded from the necessities of life.

Furthermore, a very stiff penalty is attached to those who dare to ill-treat those who are now labeled as illegal immigrants, and who are less fortunate than ordinary citizens, for Jesus Christ died to redeem all men, whether they are legal or illegal, and as such, God has stated that He will personally take matters into His own hands, when the cries of the oppressed are brought to His attention, a very serious warning indeed. Let's read: 

Exodus 22:21Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him"..... 22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.  23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;  24 And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

The current proposals that are being put forward by some presidential candidates will have disastrous effects on the nation, and will trigger a series of bloody upheavals that God will not intervene to stop, nor will He interpose to reverse the laws of cause and effect, after giving us such a stern warning against such inhumane actions. To separate children from their families, just because of their immigrant status, is nowhere condoned in the word of God, and if we are inclined to forget where God has brought us from, then we are in for a rude awakening when the warnings given will be fulfilled.

As it stands presently, the stock market is still reeling from the decisions of that fateful day, (June 26th 2015), when the law of God pertaining to marriage was struck down in an act of open rebellion. And since that day, the economy has begun to stall out, with the major indexes bobbing and weaving, up and down, but not able to stabilize for some unknown reason. Let us therefore not add sin to sin, by even suggesting that children be separated from their families because of their immigrant status, for if this is done for any reason, God will certainly visit us with severe penalties, the likes of which we have not seen in many generations.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture which warns us not to take another fatal step in the downward direction, for if we continue in sin, after having a knowledge of God's will, the sure results of our actions will accrue in due season, for God is no respecter of persons, and His purposes will be done in heaven and earth, whether we agree with Him or not. Let's read:

Malachi 3:2But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for".... 5 "I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the"... "false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts.  6 For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!