MOIRAJO
  • Weekly Devotionals
  • Weekly Message
  • Sermon Podcasts
  • Links
  • Contact

"Welcoming the Stranger in Our Midst"  September 9, 2015

9/10/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture

“The LORD protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows…” Psalm 146:9      
  “…I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:31-46 
 

 
Listen to:  John Denver, Falling Leaves (The Refugees)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OkhzGtgFH0


Last week the world was galvanized at the image of the lifeless body of three - year-old Aylan Kurdi washed up on the Turkish shoreline.  Whatever the truth behind little Aylan’s death is, Syria is facing the greatest refugee crisis since World War II.  As a human community, we face moral questions about how to respond to the needs of refugees. The statistics of the United Nation are sobering:  there are 19.5 million refugees in 2014; over half are under 18 years old. 


There probably has never been a time in human history when human beings haven’t been on the move, either seeking a better life or seeking safety.  In the scriptures we have the story of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Paradise.  At the very end of the Bible in the book of Revelation we find the disciple John exiled to the island of Patmos where he received his famous visions.  Even Jesus’ family had to flee to Egypt from King  Herod who planned to murder to him (Matt.2).  The f undamental stories of the Christian faith describe a God who calls his people out to a new land, to a new place, who calls us from slavery to freedom, to hope and blessing. 


God also insists that his people do not forget where his people came from.  When they offer their first fruits, they are to recite, “A wandering Aramean was my ancestor…” (Deut. 26:5).  They are to remember that God commands: …You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Deut. 10:18-19). The prophets reinforce this. It is a key pillar of Christian practice. The "mark of the true Christian” Paul writes is to“…extend hospitality to the stranger.” Romans 12:13.


We live in a very mobile time. We still have a God who calls us out to freedom, hope and blessing.  Most of us are fortunate that we can move for better opportunities, for education to secure better healthcare or the job of our dreams.  We have opportunities to travel and vacation in lands that would have been unheard of a century ago.  Even if we live hundreds of miles of away from loved ones, technology makes it possible to be in touch instantly and to arrive within hours.   All these gifts are part of the blessings God promised way back to Abram, when he promised to bless all the nations through him.  


Still God reminds us. Do not forget where you have come from.  Do not forget the stranger.    Out of our great blessing let us help those who are seeking a better life.  It is a privileged part of the spiritual life to give back: so let us give to those families displaced by war, conflict, famine or disease. By doing so we extend the blessing.   We have been given so much, so let us bless another’s another.   Who knows?   As it is written in Hebrews:    “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it (13:1-2). 

Looking for a good charity to donate to that works with refugees?  Here are some top-rated ones:   https://www.charitywatch.org/charitywatch-hot-topic/iraq-crisis-support/17

Pray:  God Who Is Refuge, thank you for the care you give us.  May we in turn care for those who need help; a home, shelter, food, clothing, safety. Show us how to be your compassionate presence in our world today.
   

http://www.unhcr.org.uk/about-us/key-facts-and-figures.html

Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Moirajo is a minister, social worker, wife, mother, writer and animal lover. That's just for starters. Join the story, there's so much we can share together! 

    Archives

    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    June 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015

    Categories

    All

    Bible,  Living life on life's terms, spirituality

    RSS Feed

© Moira Ahearne 2017. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.