Thus says the LORD: “You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.” (From Exodus 22:20-26)
I’m currently reading a book entitled, “How the Refugee Crisis Unites Americans” and it speaks of tremendous examples of sacrifice, hospitality, compassion, and kindness from religious groups from all over our country that run the entire political spectrum from deeply political conservatives to incredibly progressive liberals. The author goes on to show how each of these Christian groups whether they’re Baptist, Lutheran, Evangelical, Catholic, non-denominational, mainline Protestant, etc., have united to serve those most in need. It’s a truly inspiring story of unity that our country desperately needs right now. And so, my sisters and brothers in Christ, I find God’s hand working today as we are presented with this passage from Exodus as our first reading. Let me update the passage for our neck of the woods as the Bible and the LORD are still speaking to us today in the 21st century: Thus says the LORD: “You shall not harm or oppress an immigrant or refugee for you NE Iowans were once immigrants yourselves from Ireland, Scandinavia, and Germany in the land of America!” Let us hear the LORD and let us do the work of Jesus and our Father who visited and cared for and protected immigrants, foreigners, refugees, and all those in need! Amen!