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- Oct 26, 2007
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For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a statute forever throughout your generations. You and the sojourner shall be alike before the LORD. Numbers 15:15 ESV
While the Lord blessed Israel with a land of their own, this land was supposed to bless and benefit immigrants and migrants who wandered throughout the land, whether in search of work, refuge, or pasture. Rather than treating immigrants as second-class citizens, the Lord viewed them as equals in His presence, welcoming them to present pleasing offerings.
Boundaries aren’t just a matter of national borders today. Boundaries can exist in your heart and in your views of other people. Perhaps you have a subtle tendency to view others as less important or you simply aren’t aware of the needs and challenges that immigrants may face. Treating one group differently than another runs counter to the approach that God mandated for the people of Israel. Mercy and freedom to worship is guaranteed for all, and so you are invited to consider how you can view the “sojourner” of today with similar mercy.
You may not get to choose who your neighbor is or where your neighbor comes from, but you can choose how to respond to who shows up in your neighborhood.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see the needs in my community so that I can serve others and ensure they have equality and mercy.
While the Lord blessed Israel with a land of their own, this land was supposed to bless and benefit immigrants and migrants who wandered throughout the land, whether in search of work, refuge, or pasture. Rather than treating immigrants as second-class citizens, the Lord viewed them as equals in His presence, welcoming them to present pleasing offerings.
Boundaries aren’t just a matter of national borders today. Boundaries can exist in your heart and in your views of other people. Perhaps you have a subtle tendency to view others as less important or you simply aren’t aware of the needs and challenges that immigrants may face. Treating one group differently than another runs counter to the approach that God mandated for the people of Israel. Mercy and freedom to worship is guaranteed for all, and so you are invited to consider how you can view the “sojourner” of today with similar mercy.
You may not get to choose who your neighbor is or where your neighbor comes from, but you can choose how to respond to who shows up in your neighborhood.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see the needs in my community so that I can serve others and ensure they have equality and mercy.
