In today’s blog article, I am going to be critical of how our government is handling the removal of immigrants from our country. As I do this, I am aware that we should not apply Christian standards to a nation. All forms of government are part of the world’s system, which opposes the kingdom of God.
The Bible is clear about the world’s system. This is the Apostle John’s understanding of the world:
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world, for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God abide forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
In a very pointed statement about how the world’s system opposes the purposes of God, Jesus said:
“If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)
Before Pilate, Jesus declared the reality of His kingdom but also told him that His kingdom was distinct from the world’s system:
Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” (John 18:36)
I believe it is a mistake to apply Christian standards to a worldly system that opposes God’s rule and His way of life. The question followers of Jesus need to address is what to make of Jesus’ parable about our ultimate accountability for the way we treat the most vulnerable people on earth.
Judgment Day
Jesus applauded people on judgment day for their active care for vulnerable and marginalized persons in their sphere of influence.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:35-36)
After the Exodus, God commanded His people to care for the immigrant:
“You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 22:21)
Jesus applauded people who treated the stranger, immigrant, or alien as if they were serving Him.
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw . . . a stranger and welcomed you?’ . . . And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.'” (Matthew 25:37-40)
While we cannot expect the world’s system to fulfill this mission, God’s people are expected to do it.
The Church in Springfield, Ohio
You may remember false claims about Haitian immigrants stealing and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, during the election cycle in 2024. Even though the police, the mayor, and Ohio’s governor repeatedly confirmed there were no credible reports, the rumor was amplified nationally by the now President and Vice President.
In July of this year, the Supreme Court removed Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants. Thousands of Haitians in Springfield immediately lost their work permits, plunging the community of roughly 12,000 to 15,000 into legal and economic limbo.
In August, immigration agents began active operations. Arrests in the community, including that of a well-known local pastor, sparked widespread panic, with many immigrants sheltering in place to avoid detainment.
The news for September is that immigration arrested 380 Haitian immigrants in Springfield, whose temporary protection status expired on September 2. DHS secretary, Markwayne Mullin, encouraged all Haitians in the city to leave the country.
What awaits someone deported to Haiti? When a family left Haiti, the gangs moved into their homes. A returning immigrant has no home or job to return to. According to the United Nations, “If measured strictly by citizen vulnerability to armed violence, kidnapping, and the breakdown of public order, Haiti is one of the most critical security emergencies in the world.”
Followers of Jesus in Springfield recognize the value Jesus places on the immigrant. Below is a brief summary of how they are caring for the Haitian community:
- Emergency Child Care Networks: With over 1,000 U.S.-citizen children born to Haitian parents in Springfield, networks affiliated with churches like Champion City have organized temporary host families. These volunteers can take in children for up to 14 days if their parents are detained, preventing them from immediately entering the state foster care system.
- Advocacy and Coalition Building: The churches are advocating for legal rights and assisting families in navigating the sudden loss of their work permits.
- Emotional and Spiritual Sanctuary: Congregations such as Gospel Grace Baptist and Christ Episcopal are serving as community anchors, providing translation assistance and emotional support for families dealing with extreme anxiety over potential separation and the loss of their livelihoods.
- Support of Haitian Businesses: One local Haitian restaurant remains closed, but churches are purchasing food from the owner and taking it to Haitian families.
Crying Out
The Exodus began with a cry from an oppressed people.
“God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God looked upon the Israelites, and God took notice of them.” (Exodus 2:24-25)
We may not be able to give direct assistance to the churches of Springfield, but we can cry out for the immigrants of that city and elsewhere.
We also can find ways to welcome the stranger in our midst. On Judgment Day, we will hear from Jesus:
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed Matthew 25:31-46 on YouTube today.
Real Voices 