“The Lord Watches Over the Alien, Stranger”

What on Earth is God Doing?

By William M. Self, Sr.

 

Jesus went about doing good and healing all

He tells us

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, 

for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

 

“The Lord Watches Over the Alien, Stranger”

I think for the most of us the word “alien”

gives us thoughts of unwanted invaders.

The word “stranger” puts fear of the unknown.

Being the new kid on the block is generally not easy.

Starting a new job, moving into a new

neighborhood, or moving to a new country

 makes a person a stranger or alien.

 

We all like the security of the familiar.

We are told…

“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You

shall love your neighbor as yourself.””  Galatians 5:14

Jesus in the Parable of the “Good Samaritan” defines

being a neighbor as one who helps a stranger in need.

This fear of strangers makes it easy for us to

develop prejudice thoughts and feelings.

Events also alienate people from one another.

Like after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in WWII, strong

hatred formed in many Americans against all Japanese.

God welcomes everyone into Christ Jesus…

 All are welcome!

 In Christ, all are one no matter the race or sex.

God showed us the attitude we

should have toward all people.

For God so loved the world He gave His Son.

   There is no perfect race, no perfect stranger.

We all are strangers just passing through this world.

Jesus went about doing good and healing all.

He did not let His righteousness get in the way.

Even though Jesus ate with sinners,

He never compromised.

Through our the Old and New Testaments,

God instructs His people to welcome

and treat strangers well.

It seems God cares so much for strangers…

He sends angels to check up on us.

 

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to

strangers, for thereby some have

entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2

Next time you see a stranger, remember

the Lord is watching over them.

He may want you to show them hospitality.  

 

Scripture Reading

Psalm 146:5-9 NIV

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the Lord his God,

6 the Maker of heaven and earth,

the sea, and everything in them —

the Lord, who remains faithful forever.

7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed

and gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free,

8 the Lord gives sight to the blind,

the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,

the Lord loves the righteous.

9 The Lord watches over the alien