I Am A Foreigner
I have to admit; I’m not one to follow politics or world issues very much. And I don’t really have a good reason why. My initial thought process usually goes along the lines of: I’m just one person, not well-known, certainly not in a position to change policies, I’ll pay attention when it’s time to vote. End of story.
However, today in church our Pastor gave a phenomenal message about immigration. He relayed what the Bible says about it and how we are to respond to those who are immigrants (legal or not). My eyes have been permanently opened. My heart has permanently expanded. Here is why.
God’s Chosen People Were/Are Foreigners
As a Christ follower, I’ve never stopped to consider the history or heritage of God’s chosen people. Sure, I know who was chosen, the travels they were led on, the exiles they faced, their adversaries, etc. But I never once researched where they came from geographically (other than broad terms of Middle East). Had I taken the time; I might have connected the dots – the dots on the map that are spread all over the place.
Turns out God’s chosen people were all foreigners. Yep! It all starts in Genesis 12:1, where the Lord directs Abram (Abraham) to leave his homeland, his people, and his family to a new place. From there, the journey of God’s chosen people entails moving to different cities (Canaan, Egypt, Babylon). With each move, God’s people were the foreigners/slaves/oppressed and the theme continues throughout the entire Bible.
Moreover, Jesus started off his life as an immigrant himself. After Jesus was born and word spread of the “King of Kings” being born; King Herod issued a decree to kill all babies in order to protect his place as king. As a result, Joseph and Mary left Bethlehem and took Jesus to Egypt for a couple years.
So, what does all this mean??? Our Pastor pointed to this: God wants us (as Christ followers) to see ourselves as foreigners.
Even if I take the biblical perspective out of this… most of us living in the United States come from families that have heritage in other countries. My maternal grandparents were born in Europe and made the voyage to America when they were young. I am a byproduct of foreigners.
The Connection
Understanding where we come from – what does God have to say about how we should treat foreigners (ourselves)?
At this point in the message, I started to think: How could I put myself in a foreigner’s shoes? I’ve lived in the same state in the United States my whole life. I haven’t been subjected to warfare or oppression. I haven’t been forced to leave anyplace. I’ve never feared for my safety.
And then it hit me, like a 2×4 to the forehead hit me.
I was a fifteen-year-old teenager, who was plugged in several ways with my youth group/church, who was surrounded by friends, who did well in school, who was well-liked, and was in love for the first time. Life was great, I was living the dream.
A few months into this dream, an unplanned pregnancy happened.
Suddenly I was faced with fear, denial, anger, and anxiety. Shortly after the news became public the stares and whispers started. My group of friends decreased substantially. I no longer felt welcome at church. The love disappeared. I attended an alternative school for pregnant teen moms – all of which were keeping their babies – and I was not. Discord at home came easier and more frequently. I had never felt so alone swimming in a sea of people.
When my son was born, I had the privilege of spending every second with him in the hospital. And then, after just two short days, I had to leave the hospital empty handed. Tears wracked my body for days at a time, for weeks, for months. The emotional outfall was draining, damaging, and isolating.
I absolutely, without a doubt, know what it feels like to be a foreigner. Perhaps in a different context, but an outsider no less.
The Application
Having those thoughts fresh in my mind, I knew without a doubt how God would want me (all of us) to treat foreigners. With love. With dignity. With compassion. With help. With equality. All the things I wish I had felt when I was the one outside looking in.
God’s command for us: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31
Pastor Yu pointed out there is no mistaking God’s instructions for us on this topic and referenced numerous Bible verses.
Exodus 22:21 “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
Exodus 23:9 “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.”
Leviticus 19:33-34 “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
We’ve All Been There
Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, I can guarantee everyone has felt like an outsider at some point in their life. And I bet it would not require much thinking. Which is saddening, because it means we’ve already failed at treating each other how we want to be treated (The Golden Rule).
Granted this does not solve the world’s (or even just the United States’) current day dilemma’s regarding immigrants (legal or not), protection, and future planning. But it should at least make us pause and think.
Change starts with one person. With one act, whether big or small. As for myself, I will try to seek out the foreigner. I will extend grace, love, prayer, and help when able. Will you do the same with me?
Remember – we have all been foreigners at some point in our lives.
PS – To hear more in depth conversation on this topic and see an interview between Pastor Yu and another Pastor who works with immigrants, please watch this video from Blackhawk Church, #immigrants.
