Would Jesus Support Immigration, Interesting Question?
Posted: Saturday, August 09, 2008
by straight talk
In my opinion Jesus would certainly approve of immigration, via the legal process. Now that seems to be the catch or the conflict between those who would use Jesus teachings about love and being a Samaritan with the term "immigration" to justify illegal workers importation and their subsequent exploitation. You see jumping over a fence, coming illegally and stealing another's very identity is not recommended or approved of in the Word that Jesus taught. In my opinion it seems many get love of neighbor mixed up with breaking the law as OK, that is if you are poor. So, is it not fair to ask if that applies to all, does it not? The hungry, starving, financially struggling, the addict, the prostitute, the single mom or dad, the unemployed, etc, etc, etc?
Next Jesus came to fulfill the law not break the law. Did he himself submit even unto death to the law of the time and of man? He certainly did not have to and could have at any time as he stated had thousands of Legions at his side. No, he submitted to the law. He obeyed the law. He recognized the law and he submitted to those in authority and as He requires us all to do. He didn't say, let me see if you have do this from column A and that from Column B this is OK. No he said what he said, period.
Next we have "the poor shall always be with us". Jesus knew that the heart of man was sinful and hence the poor would suffer at the hands of others. They would be exploited, taken advantage of, used and abused. There is great profit to be made off of the poor and by making people poor. Yet he did not come to start a revolution against government as many thought he would do. No he came to start a revolution of the spirit in those he knew would follow Him. He certainly knew that myriads wouldn't.
Now to sum up, that leaves us with the true immigration process and not that which is alluded to as immigration. That which is shrouded in how the Word is used when in fact and reality it is not by fact true immigration. It is a facade which many unfortunately believe. Yes like the magician who makes an illusion which many accept as real. Yet, true immigration is a process. It starts with filing an application, paying a fee, waiting, having a sponsor, coming here, learning the language, getting a job, proving you are a valuable member of society and then waiting, studying and passing a test to become a citizen. No I think Jesus would be appalled at the abuse of these true immigrants by those who would by deceit steal that right, ability, their path. A path many are still waiting years to take.
So would Jesus be against immigration no, would he be against the so called immigration alluded to of today, I think so. No where does his teaching support the breaking of His law and societies law. In fact I dare say no theologian, religious or anyone could write differently. For if they are to argue differently then they would argue against God and what he has ordained, not man. I and many would be open to what scripture they base their argument on and we all recognize there are many that pertain to the poor, the hungry, the needy but none that condone what I have written to.
Now note, God did not say to not help them, love them. No he would prefer we correct the root cause of their plight. No that is where the battle is. So as the wolf comes to steal beware that they come in light disguised as good with an evil objective in mind. Yes and those who support that effort are true accomplices in the evil deed for ignorance is no excuse.
As I say true love would address why they had to find it necessary to come here in the first place and also resolve the matter of sin and exploitation. Will this matter to those who support illegal workers coming and breaking our law, NO. Why, because it has nothing to do with God, morality, justice or right and it has everything to do about THEM. The real hard facts of it all, how sad.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. 2008 Copyright 2008 Robert Melaccio Sr.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Thanks for sharing your views, Robert. The only indicator I can find of how Jesus would view immigration from a Biblical perspective is that He repeatedly said to "love your neighbor as yourself". I think that without question, someone from Mexico trying to get to the U.S. would be much better off in the U.S. so wouldn't we want them to have the benefit of living in this great country if we loved them as ourselves?I understand the idea that the law is the law and for years I asked, "what part of illegal don't you understand?" In hindsight, though, I still have to wonder if Jesus healed the sick on the Sabbath, which was against the Law, would he condone immigration to the U.S., even if it was against the law? I don't know. I see both sides of this issue.Thanks again for sharing, Robert.Please log in to respond to this comment.Yes Bruce that has always been a conflict for me as well and that is the point of separation for many. I think Jesus states it "render unto Cesar what is Cesar's" meaning that societies must obey the laws, those in authority and not commit sin or the breaking of civil law regardless of your social status. He states the poor will always be with us. Yes and Jesus did what He preached. Jesus did exactly that. That is the essence of my article. Now love I suspect we do when we offer social services, help, open our homes and share freely as followers. Also, I have as you know by my works no problem with a fair worker program, with fair compensation and the ability to seek citizenship. However, I wonder why when we look at love we do not apply it to the root problem or cause of why they must come here? That my friend is exploitation and abuse at home and really if you know them, which I am sure you see all about, they are exploited here as well as there. Where is the love there or from the church? Now I also find that those who obey the law, wait, go through the system do not the same love or compassion applied? My wife and family a living example. An uncle still waiting over 25 years through the legal process and now a wife dying that will never come here. Too old and sick and even having sponsors. Then again if we talk love, what of the mom or dad who steals a loaf of bread at Wal Mart, is she not to be forgiven and let go? What of the poor anywhere for that matter who commit crime or sin to survive? So love of neighbor is many things. That can be making sure one obeys the law and does not sin. That may be feeding or sheltering. I think you understand. Anyway an entire new article. best wishes and thanks for the feedback. We could spend hours at many a topic.Please log in to respond to this comment.
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