The Immigration Issue Heats Up

Yesterday on May 1st, approximately one million illegal immigrant workers played hooky from work to take the streets in protest of upcoming legislation that will make illegal immigration a felony.  In support of this, citizens in other countries boycotted American establishments such as Wal-Mart and McDonald's to show support.

There really are two ways that I need to approach this issue.  First, as a citizen of this country.  I've stated before in other blogs that illegal immigration is just that … illegal.  And if a law is broken, then prosecution must commence … otherwise, the rule of law would be abliterated. The fact that non-citizens, who have no rights or voting privileges to leverage Congress to abide by their wishes, are taking the streets to protest seems (to me) a problem more grave than them simply wanting "rights."  What if things do not go the way they want?  Is it entirely outside the realm of possibility that a civil war could be brewing when we try to enforce their removal back to their country of citizenship?  I shudder to think about this.  But if something is illegal, it is illegal.  The penalty for that crime must be meted out.

But as a minister of the Gospel, they are made in God's image and must be brought the sweet message of salvation concerning God's creation, our rebellion, God provision for our sin through the death and resurrection of Christ, and then our responding to Him by faith. 

Romans 13:1-2 tells us: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. [2] Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."

Clearly, God has given the authorities to keep order and we are commended to be subject to their authority. In this, we can still minister but also stay true to the laws that we as citizens of the United States have sworn to uphold.

May there be a swift and correct end to this issue.  But let us not miss telling them about the cross of Christ and how they may be citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20-21).  That is the more pressing need at the moment — you can be a citizen of the Kingdom and a true adopted son of the Father.  Shouldn't that mean more?

Let's get that Word out!