Ignoring The Warning Signs: How America’s Unkindness To Immigrants Is Inviting God’s Wrath
Introduction
In recent years, discussions around immigration in the United States have become increasingly contentious, revealing a troubling trend of unkindness and injustice towards immigrants. For Messianic Jewish believers, this issue is not merely a matter of politics or policy but a profound ethical and spiritual concern.
The Tanakh offers numerous warnings and teachings about the treatment of strangers and immigrants, underscoring the divine expectation to act with compassion and justice. This article explores the biblical principles related to immigration, the consequences of ignoring these principles, and the urgent need for a return to righteousness.
Biblical Principles on the Treatment of Immigrants
The Tanakh provides clear and compelling instructions on how to treat immigrants and strangers, emphasizing compassion and justice.
Exodus 22:21 commands:
"Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God."
This verse highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in dealing with immigrants, drawing on the shared experience of the Israelites as foreigners in Egypt. The command is not only a directive but also a reminder of the Israelites' own history of oppression, urging them to act with kindness and justice.
Leviticus 19:33-34 further reinforces this principle:
"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."
This passage commands that foreigners be treated with the same respect and dignity as native-born citizens, underscoring the principle of equality and the call to love others as oneself. The reminder of their own history as foreigners emphasizes the need for compassion and empathy.
Deuteronomy 10:18-19 provides additional guidance:
"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God."
Here, the connection between divine justice and the treatment of foreigners is made explicit. The Lord's love for foreigners is linked to His expectations for His people, reinforcing that kindness to strangers is a reflection of divine justice.
The Consequences of Unkindness to Immigrants
The Tanakh also addresses the consequences of failing to uphold these principles, warning of divine judgment and societal decline.
Jeremiah 7:5-7 warns against injustice and oppression:
"If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever."
This passage outlines the conditions for divine favor and continued blessing in the land. The failure to treat foreigners justly, along with other forms of oppression and idolatry, is linked to the potential for divine wrath and loss of God's favor.
Ezekiel 22:7 details the consequences of failing to care for the vulnerable:
"They have treated father and mother with contempt; they have oppressed the foreigner and mistreated the fatherless and the widow."
Ezekiel's prophecy reveals the societal decay resulting from the mistreatment of the vulnerable, including foreigners. Such actions lead to widespread moral corruption and divine judgment, illustrating the far-reaching impact of injustice.
Malachi 3:5 speaks of the Lord's judgment against those who commit injustice:
"So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers, and perjurers; against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the LORD Almighty."
This verse emphasizes that divine judgment will be swift against those who deprive foreigners of justice. It underscores the seriousness with which God views the oppression and mistreatment of the vulnerable.
The Modern Context: America’s Unkindness to Immigrants
In contemporary America, the treatment of immigrants often reflects a lack of compassion and justice, manifesting in policies and attitudes that can be harsh and exclusionary. The unkindness towards immigrants, characterized by discriminatory practices and neglect of basic human rights, mirrors the warnings given in the Tanakh.
Matthew 25:35-36 (from the New Testament, but relevant to the discussion):
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
Although this passage is from the New Testament, it echoes the principles found in the Tanakh about caring for strangers and those in need. It reinforces the idea that how we treat immigrants and strangers is a reflection of our commitment to divine principles.
Psalm 146:9 (also from the Tanakh) reinforces the call for justice:
"The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked."
This verse highlights God's concern for the foreigner and the vulnerable, and the divine frustration with those who act wickedly. It serves as a reminder that ignoring the needs of immigrants invites divine displeasure.
The Path to Restoration and Righteousness
For Messianic Jewish believers, addressing the issue of unkindness to immigrants requires a commitment to the values outlined in the Tanakh and a dedication to promoting justice and compassion.
Isaiah 1:16-17 offers guidance on living righteously:
"Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."
This call to repentance and righteous living involves actively seeking justice and defending the oppressed, including immigrants. By embodying these principles, believers can contribute to a society that reflects divine values.
Micah 6:8 encapsulates the essence of righteous living:
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
This verse serves as a guide for living a life that aligns with divine expectations. Acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly are essential components of addressing the issue of unkindness to immigrants and promoting a just and compassionate society.
Conclusion
The unkindness towards immigrants in America is more than a political or social issue; it is a profound moral and spiritual concern that echoes the warnings given in the Tanakh. The divine expectations for compassion, justice, and respect for strangers are clear, and the consequences of failing to adhere to these principles are severe.
For Messianic Jewish believers, responding to this challenge involves not only advocating for fair and just treatment of immigrants but also embodying the values of righteousness and mercy in everyday life. By addressing these issues with the seriousness and commitment they require, believers can contribute to a society that honors God's commandments and upholds the principles of justice and compassion.
