Christ at the Gate
Deuteronomy 27:19 Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow. (NIV)
When a nation feels overwhelmed by refugees, when cultures shift and long-held traditions seem to fray, it’s natural for fear to arise. Politicians argue. Communities polarise. And deep down, ordinary people like you and me wrestle with difficult questions: How much change can we take? Where do compassion and common sense meet?
As you weigh those questions, take a moment to drink this in:
Deuteronomy 27:19 Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.
Strong words, indeed. It seems that God is deadly serious about how His people treat the most vulnerable – including the refugee, the outsider, the stranger.
Yes, it’s complicated. Yes, governments have to make difficult policy decisions. But for you and me, as followers of Jesus, the command is clear. When we see a stranger, we don’t first see a threat to our own way of life. We see a person made in the image of God. We see someone Christ died for.
And here’s the thing: the Gospel itself was birthed into a multicultural clash of Jews, Greeks and Romans. Jesus broke cultural barriers by eating with Samaritans, touching lepers, welcoming Gentiles. He didn’t fear erosion of culture – He ushered in a new Kingdom where every tribe and tongue are gathered around His throne.
So let me challenge you – are you looking at refugees and migrants through the lens of fear, or through the eyes of Christ? Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it may cost us comfort. But the cross wasn’t comfortable either.
Our call is not to protect culture at all costs, but to reflect Christ at all costs. To offer justice, mercy, and love – even to the stranger at our gate.
That’s the Kingdom way.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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