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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Last week, we considered a number of issues concerning immigration policy in light of a book titled, Welcoming The Stranger;1 highlighting the difficulties of immigration reform and its absolute necessity. The reasonableness of expecting individuals immigrating here to do so legally was paramount. The problem with that expectation being the restrictions imposed on prospective immigrants are virtually insurmountable and often applied unevenly. Another area of concern was with our current preference for people with pre-acquired educations and money, individuals capable of sustaining themselves rather than being a drain on an already taxed social services system. Which again seems reasonable until we remember how little many of our ancestors could contribute to the social fabric of our country – at first – but given time helped create one of the most stable, wealthy nations the world has ever known. Not to mention the question of values and priorities. For throughout much of our past, the goal of our immigration policy was found at the foot of the Statue of Liberty; welcoming the poor, tired, huddled masses yearning to be free. The homeless, tempest–tossed, wretched refuse of foreign shores having their path to freedom lit by the torch of Lady Liberty in New York harbor. Posing the question: Can we no longer afford to be generous and accepting any more? But more to the point: As a Christian nation – if indeed we still seriously wish to make that claim – can we afford not to be that generous anymore?
For me, the answers to these questions find their resolution in scripture. And believe it or not, much is said there concerning the stranger, sojourner, alien, immigrant, etc.; especially within the pages of the Old Testament but still germane to our present day discussion about aliens in our midst. (The word alien, stranger, etc. appearing 92 times in scripture describing how God expects us to respond to the alien within our borders.) As reverence for and love of God is repeatedly called for and often defined as expressions of love for our neighbors – including the alien – in both testaments of our Bible. (See Deuteronomy 6:5 & 10:18; Leviticus 19:18 & Matthew 22:35-40)
Of fundamental importance is the command to, “…not mistreat an alien…” Exodus 22:21, morphing into, “…treat(ing) (him) as one of your native born.” Leviticus 19:34; the end result hopefully being, “…lov(ing) those who are aliens,…” Deuteronomy 10:19 God promoting these attitudes in the Israelis by reminding them repeatedly where they themselves had come from, as “…you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt.” Exodus 23:9 Having been delivered from there by an all-powerful, loving God, they were now expected to be sensitive to the conditions and aspirations of the alien now living amongst them. (See Deuteronomy 26:1-11, particularly verse 11)
Some ask what that has to do with us, forgetting our own country’s founders and their perception that the New World was indeed a New Israel – to be settled and nurtured in God’s word and will. Virtually every white American today having some kind of immigrant history, as the very first settlers – probably arriving from Siberia across the Bering Strait – were the “Native American” Indians already in residence when we started coming ashore. Many of our forefathers arrived here in successive waves of immigration, often penniless and uneducated; with nothing to contribute but hard work, a desire to succeed, a shared faith and a willingness to do whatever it took to leave their children in better shape than they had been – the essence of what was to become known as the American Dream. The melting pot ideal of assimilation reinforced by the Biblical assurance that, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 Scripture insisting that, “…God does not show favoritism.” Romans 2:11; nor should we. (See Luke 14:7-11; Acts 10:1-5 & James 2:1-4) In fact, Christ teaches that, “…whatever you (do) – or (don’t) do – for one of the least of these brothers of mine, (the aforementioned hungry and thirsty, sick and imprisoned, needy and stranger) you (do) – or (don’t) do – for me.” Matthew 25:31-46
Abraham was a focal point of Israeli history, part of his story dealing with immigration and God’s plan of salvation for all men. Originally from the city of Ur, in the region of Babylon, he migrated at God’s command to the land of Canaan. (Genesis 12:1 – Similar to America in that it was already inhabited by people who would eventually be displaced by others.) The story then proceeds through Abraham’s sons to Joseph, who was enslaved and forced to “migrate” to Egypt; in a long and convoluted process establishing a haven of safety for his soon-to-arrive family. (Which is often the case for modern-day immigrants as well.) Moses, a product of that migration, then led the Israelites back home to Canaan after 400 years of Egyptian bondage.
After being re-established there, an issue arose concerning the treatment of those they displaced (See Exodus 23:29); as well as dealing with “migrant” workers and proselytes from neighboring countries. (A difficult balance needed between removing all temptation to sin through heathen contamination – Deuteronomy 7:1-6 – and living as a “light for the Gentiles”. See Is. 9:1&2; 42:6; 49:6; Luke 2:32) Rahab and Ruth being examples of “naturalized” citizens who became blood relatives of Hebrew royalty and, through them, the Christ; who might be considered a divine “immigrant” himself, who was shunned, misrepresented and treated as a non-conformist troublemaker like many others. That thread of alienation running throughout scripture up to and including our own identity today, as “…our citizenship is (actually) in heaven.” Philippians 3:19 For as Gentiles, we were “…excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.” But now, “…have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” And, “…through Him have access to the Father… Consequently, (we) are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, …” Ephesians 2:13;18-19 Paul however, going to great lengths to warn us against pride in our position, comparing us to wild olive branches grafted on to a cultivated tree – by God’s grace and purpose. (See Romans 11:11-24)
Jesus describes what it means to be a “neighbor” in his parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), James going so far as to equate true religion with our responses to the needy among us. (James 1:27 See also Proverbs 31:8,9 & Psalm 146:9) The “royal law” of scripture expressed as, “love your neighbor as yourself.” (James 2:8) John’s Revelation praising Jesus, “…because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Revelation 5:9 Certainly inspiring us with the depth of his mercy, but could it not also motivate us to deal generously and equitably with those same people of different tribes, languages and nations here at home?
1Co-authored by Matthew Soerens and Jenny Hwang, published by InterVarsity Press, seeking to promote justice, compassion and truth in the immigration debate.
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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