Entertaining Angels

We are a divided nation in these days.  The issue is immigration; specifically who should we refuse to allow into our country.  It seems that every presidential candidate has an opinion.  Some have even suggested that we need to build a wall to keep out those seeking to come in.  It is not just politicians who have weighed in.  Not a day goes by without someone expressing their opinion on Facebook.  I must admit being more than a little troubled by the stance of many.  It should especially not be the case with many of those seeking safety at this time.  Many of the Syrian refugees are Christians who are fleeing persecution. 

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sister.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers,

for by so doing some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Hebrews 13:1-2

I get a sense that much of the current reaction is based on fear.  People are afraid that we might allow in individual, specifically a terrorist, who seek to do us harm.  I can understand why those who are outside the faith might feel threatened, but as Christians we have no reason to fear.  We have a Savior who has overcome the ultimate terrorist, Satan.  Jesus not only preached but modeled hospitality.  He did not shy away from those he knew had the intent to harm him.  He even welcomed Judas, who ultimately betrayed him, to the Passover table.  “Love your neighbor, as yourself,” he instructed his followers (Matthew 22:39). 

In some ways we could learn something here from the Millennials among us.  Today’s young adults have grown up in a culturally diverse world.  There is a pretty good chance they have attended school with students from other cultures, and even different religious traditions.  In some cases those individuals might even be friends or coworkers.  Their experience has moved them beyond tolerance to a spirit where they now embrace those who are different.  For that reason I sense that they are confused and troubled by the stance that many within the church have expressed.  How can those who claim to be people of faith express disdain and fear toward those who are different?   How can we turn our backs to those who seek refuge in our country? 

I am left to ask the same questions.