Genesis 12:1-4a
“Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” vs. 1
We live in a time of major migrations as refugees flee their homes by the millions and cross countless borders in their search for freedom and economic stability. Many of these families end up living in camps for decades with little prospect of relief. Some become permanent wanderers as they go from place to place looking for a welcoming home. People of faith will recognize the precedents for these stories of wandering in many portions of scripture. Many heroes of faith were refugees and migrants…according to Matthew Joseph took his wife, Mary, and son, Jesus, to Egypt to find security and to preserve their lives. Ruth, the grandmother of King David, was a Moabite woman who escaped famine with her grandmother, Naomi,in the land of Judah. Our whole story of faith begins with Abram and Sarai who left country and kindred to go to a new land. Being on the move is in our blood! With that as our background it’s sad to see how many people are being tempted to turn their backs on migrants and refugees. Of course resettlement is difficult. Precious resources will need to be shared. But surely our bounties are meant for sharing and not for hoarding. God’s blessings accompanied Abram and Sarai and those who welcomed them were blessed in turn. They were blessed to be a blessing…and so are we.
Thought for the Day: What are the blessings of refugee resettlement?
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