Thread by @SamObiWon

Some thoughts on migration/immigration:
Human migration has been a reality for as long as people groups have been around. Groups organically seek out favorable conditions. This is reasonable behavior.
This has been around much longer than the concept of national borders. 1/

In recent history, this natural human behavior has been complicated by national entities, borders, diplomatic relationships, and immigration laws. 2/

When God's people received the Torah the existence of borders and the concept of "foreigners" was already an established reality.
The principles of righteousness with regard to the treatment of foreigners/aliens are not so primitive that they cannot be applied oday. 3/

Yes, as a student of the OT, I am fully aware that the laws & teachings in the OT are contextualized to the ancient Near East. However, the principles that are affirmed and expounded by Jesus in his NT teachings have timeless significance. 4/

Of course, it takes some nuance and skill to apply biblical teachings on the treatment of foreigners to our current immigration crisis. But no follower of XC can deny the fundamental humanity of all foreigners nor can we dismiss the overarching command to love our neighbors. 5/

In the OT, even the Israelites were able to maintain their borders and exercise their own policies regarding the legal standing & treatment of foreigners. They were not expected to simply allow anyone to occupy their land. The disposition of the foreigner did matter. 6/

But the key is that when a foreigner posed no threat they were allowed to sojourn and do business in the land. If the foreigner actually pursued good faith membership in Israel's community, there were even provisions for them to join and even worship the LORD. 7/

More than ever, as Christians we must be sensitive first to God's heart for the flourishing of ALL image bearers. They are all our neighbors. Then we must exercise discernment and wisdom in how to best love those who come to our borders. 8/

So as long as security is not an overriding concern (e.g., criminal history, etc.), our primary disposition should be toward welcoming those who come to our borders. 9/

As much as things have changed in human history, the reality of migration toward plentitude and better conditions is a timeless reality. As long as America is blessed to be a land of plenty, we must relate to other nations with this in mind. 10/

Final thought. My family is here in a manner not all that different from Ruth's story in Israel. After the Korean war many Koreans simply desired to migrate toward a better place. The U.S. was our "house of bread," and we're grateful. 11/

The vast majority of migrants at our borders are not that different from the migrants in the Bible or from my family for that matter. We all sought to find a better place.
We desire what all Americans desire not to take what you have. /End