February 20
Illegal Immigration and The Gospel Ministry.
Illegal immigration is a very complicated problem, but one that many churches are having to start to address. I don't understand all the issues but defrauding illegal immigrants is not right. And this is something that is happening. Illegals defrauding the USA is not right but this is happening also. We also are having a very bad crime problem that is growing due to the illegal immigrants. Despiration and a depraved heart can cause a person to act as violent animal acts. This situation is very bad.
But when a church finds an illegal immigrant on its door step how should we respond? I only have the example of St. Paul to rely upon.
Maybe we could glean from Paul concerning this situation. Let's look at Onesimus. He was a fugitive of the law and his master. He was unconverted runaway slave and a thief when he ran into Paul. He was illegally at a destination that he was not suppose to be at. Philemon had every legal right to pursue Onesimus. Philemon and Paul where heirs of the Kingdom of Christ. Onesimus became one while with Paul. Did Paul send Onesimus right back to Philemon because he ran away from his master? I don't think so. Onesimus became useful to Paul. In fact Onesimus is probably responsible for the distribution of Paul's epistles. He also became a Bishop of the Church.
So looking at Onesimus and Paul we can glean that there is room for mercy and growth. Onesimus was sent back to Philemon eventually and Paul pleaded for any damage Onesimus caused to be charged to himself. He said he would repay. But also have in mind that Onesimus became profitable to Paul and the Church.
This is not going to fit every situation though. Illegal immigration is a very complicated problem. I imagine the church in its wisdom will be pleasing in some of its decisions and not so pleasing to the LORD in other decisions concerning this topic. Either way the Law is the law, and mercy is mercy, but grace and truth are found in Christ. Christ's Kingdom is the Kingdom we all need to be citizens of. We don't want to be found illegal immigrants in that Kingdom when it is fully consumated in Him.
Read Pauls letter to Philemon in the New Testament. It is only 25 verses long.
(Phm 1:25) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
