The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (The "DREAM Act") is a piece of proposed federal legislation in the United States that was first introduced in the United States Senate on August 1, 2001[1] and most recently re-introduced there and the United States House of Representatives on March 26, 2009. This bill would provide certain illegal and deportable alien students who graduate from US high schools, who are of good moral character, arrived in the U.S. illegally as minors, and have been in the country continuously and illegally for at least five years prior to the bill's enactment, the opportunity to earn conditional permanent residency if they complete two years in the military or two years at a four year institution of higher learning. -Wikipedia
How should we view the Dream Act as followers of Jesus?
As I think about this, my position can change depending on what “hat” I am wearing at the time. For example, if I strictly view it as an American, there could be a position that says, we are nation of immigrants and the influx of quality, energetic workers will bring needed human capital for the next generation. But others would argue that the economy is in such a shape that we cannot “afford” these new people when our own people are looking for work. (Recently labor numbers show the US with over 9% unemployment.) In more prosperous times, immigrants bring needed inexpensive labor. They help to harvest our crops, manicure our lawns. But we are, after all, a nation of laws, is another response, “shouldn’t they have to get in line like everyone else”. And the reality is that unskilled laborers do not have a legal line in which to line up.
It is complicated by many factors.
So if I am wearing my “hat” as a follower of Jesus, how does that change my perspective? I have also lived and worked in Mexico, and with Latinos in the US. I know some of them. They have names, faces, trials, joys and dreams. So how are we view our immigration crisis from a worldview that is informed by the Bible, God’s own word? One passage that has helped me to see beyond the internal political struggle of this phenomenon is found in Acts Chapter 17. Paul, the man whose life was transformed by Jesus on a road to Damascus, was addressing a crowd with no Biblical literacy, and yet he wanted them to know about the same God who had invaded his life and being just a few years before:
[24] The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, [25] nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. [26] And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, [27] that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,
(Acts 17:24-27 ESV)
Besides the obvious monotheistic vision that Paul was introducing to this polytheistic people, he also planted the Greeks into a world that God had made and has dominion over. Furthermore, this God is not like the capricious gods of Greece, nor is He at all "needy". He then answers some of the big questions that philosophers from all ages have asked:
Who am I?
Where do I come from?
Why am I here?
What is my purpose for being here?
Who am I? I am made by God, and related to all mankind by the first man.
Where do I come from? I am made in God’s image, and given life by God.
Why am I here? I am here, because God determined my lifetime and the boundaries of where I should live - where I am supposed to live.
What is my purpose for being here? I live here in order to seek to connect with God. I live in Mesa, Arizona, right now, so that I might reach out to God. Every person who finds themselves on this side of the border, or on the other side, is there for the same ultimate reason. God has allowed them to be here, in order to seek and to find him.
But when you ask most people who are now here illegally, why are you here? Their answer will likely have an economic impulse to it. They came to make a better life. The North held a promise of work that would take care of their family's needs. So when you consider their reasons, from a Biblical framework, where would supplying for one’s family’s need stack up Biblically? Witness the Apostle Paul’s directive to protege Timothy:
[8] But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
(1 Timothy 5:8 ESV)
That seems pretty high!
As you survey the broad scope of Scripture, you will see God’s loving care for all peoples, tribes and nations...
From His commands to Israel in the Law:
[33] “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. [34] You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
(Leviticus 19:33-34 ESV)
To His concern for the ethical treatment of the of the poor among us:
[6] But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?
[8] If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
(James 2:6, 8 ESV)
Jesus, Himself when disputing with the legalists of his day unpacked the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself”, by using a despised people who lived next door to the Jews as his example of the exemplary neighbor in the parable known as “The Good Samaritan”. If Jesus were writing to 21st century American Christians, I can imagine a parable of the “Good Illegal Alien” helping out when the preacher and the politician had gone to the other side of the road.
We ought to consider those who Jesus identifies with. When introducing his own ministry to the world, look at who he comes to bless, ultimately sacrificing His life as a ransom for many…
[18] “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
[19] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
(Luke 4:18-19 ESV)
Good news to the poor. Liberty for the prisoner. Vision for the blind. Freedom for the oppressed. Think, for a moment, whom that might be in our context...
As followers of Jesus, we need to consider his full counsel when we dealing with complex policy ideas like the Dream Act, and even comprehensive immigration reform. In the case of the Dream Act, we are talking about young people, made in the image of God, whose parents brought them here as children. They would like to serve or get an education. They would like the opportunity that we have for simply being born here. They are not more deserving or less than we are, just here in our midst. Desiring, dreaming of that which has inspired hundreds of other waves of immigrants coming here—a chance to make something of their life.
From a Divine point of view, do you really think, God is most concerned with propping up a flawed inequitable legal patchwork, we call 'immigration law,' or do you think He is more concerned with real hurting people, image-bearers, with dreams and hopes just like we have? They might just meet God in the process.
With that “hat” on, I submit that we should support the immediate passage of the Dream Act.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
I Have A NEW Favorite Football Team!
So I am not a huge sports fan. I enjoy sports. I love to play tennis, but I have not been an avid fan of a team since my high school days. All that is changed. I have a new favorite team. I am now a fan of the Cholla Magnet High CHARGERS! Go Chargers! Yeah!!
Ok, I am also a fan of the Chargers new head coach Laurence Ruhf. He just sounds like a great coach. Hey Coach ROUGH!
So, you have probably never heard of the Cholla Magnet High Chargers. They have no dynasty of domination in Tucson or any such accolades. In fact, in the last 3 years they have lost …[drum roll]…28 games. Their opponents have outscored them 1173-244. OUCH. So why choose them?
Sports, to me, is a metaphor for life.
This team, if you read through the article posted here, has had no discipline or accountability. They have assumed an attitude of “whatever”. Losing is contagious, and lack of discipline and self-dignity, is a recipe for disaster.
The team was devastated and ashamed to wear their jerseys to school on game day. "You guys suck!" was a refrain heard in the hallways. It was a bad situation. If you have followed the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 1970s or the Arizona Cardinals, almost since they arrived in AZ. You know how bad things can get.
Enters our new head coach, Laurence Ruhf. He wants to change the culture and transform the Chargers into a real team! So what did he do when 8 players showed up late for practice, they were put to work, doing extra up-downs. When 2 starters skipped practices they were told they would have to make up all the running their team mates had done prior to playing the game.
Some of these players might find that hard work, commitment, and discipline will serve them throughout their lives. I am banking on it.
So I have a new favorite football team. Would you join me?
I am committing to go to the Chargers game after they win their 2nd game. I will be there for their 3rd win this year. Who’s with me?
Ok, I am also a fan of the Chargers new head coach Laurence Ruhf. He just sounds like a great coach. Hey Coach ROUGH!
So, you have probably never heard of the Cholla Magnet High Chargers. They have no dynasty of domination in Tucson or any such accolades. In fact, in the last 3 years they have lost …[drum roll]…28 games. Their opponents have outscored them 1173-244. OUCH. So why choose them?
Sports, to me, is a metaphor for life.
This team, if you read through the article posted here, has had no discipline or accountability. They have assumed an attitude of “whatever”. Losing is contagious, and lack of discipline and self-dignity, is a recipe for disaster.
The team was devastated and ashamed to wear their jerseys to school on game day. "You guys suck!" was a refrain heard in the hallways. It was a bad situation. If you have followed the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 1970s or the Arizona Cardinals, almost since they arrived in AZ. You know how bad things can get.
Enters our new head coach, Laurence Ruhf. He wants to change the culture and transform the Chargers into a real team! So what did he do when 8 players showed up late for practice, they were put to work, doing extra up-downs. When 2 starters skipped practices they were told they would have to make up all the running their team mates had done prior to playing the game.
Some of these players might find that hard work, commitment, and discipline will serve them throughout their lives. I am banking on it.
So I have a new favorite football team. Would you join me?
I am committing to go to the Chargers game after they win their 2nd game. I will be there for their 3rd win this year. Who’s with me?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Abound
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Why? because of the resurrection.
Why? because of the resurrection.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
I need it.
It looks out for your good.
it will transform you.
it does not keep score.
it is better than knowledge.
it is fun to be around.
it is gentle.
it is not against the law.
it is against the law.
it is better than faith.
it beats sacrifice.
it overcomes evil.
it must be pursued.
it is humble.
it is not arrogant.
it is not for sale.
it is better than hope.
it will hunt you down.
it will make you new.
it covers over wrongs.
it dismantles fear.
it unifies.
it deals in grace.
it wages truth.
it sees the best in us.
it comes from above.
it won’t let you go.
It gives itself for you.
it is the greatest.
it is why we are here.
we all need it.
to own it is to give it away.
it’s free.
it’s a choice.
it’s a force.
it costs you everything.
it is hard to do.
life is worthless without it.
it’s personal.
IT never fails…
it will transform you.
it does not keep score.
it is better than knowledge.
it is fun to be around.
it is gentle.
it is not against the law.
it is against the law.
it is better than faith.
it beats sacrifice.
it overcomes evil.
it must be pursued.
it is humble.
it is not arrogant.
it is not for sale.
it is better than hope.
it will hunt you down.
it will make you new.
it covers over wrongs.
it dismantles fear.
it unifies.
it deals in grace.
it wages truth.
it sees the best in us.
it comes from above.
it won’t let you go.
It gives itself for you.
it is the greatest.
it is why we are here.
we all need it.
to own it is to give it away.
it’s free.
it’s a choice.
it’s a force.
it costs you everything.
it is hard to do.
life is worthless without it.
it’s personal.
IT never fails…
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
He has a place for you...
As we are coursing through the "clean pages" of the Book, Numbers to be specific, I was struck with the Lord's clear direction to the families of the Levites. He had specific duties for all the families down to who carried what, as the people moved along. Some times as I read through these oft-neglected pages, all I do is finish and move on not seeing any New Covenant implications.
But I think there is something here for me and for you.
The following passages are all from Numbers 3 and 4.
This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting: the most holy things.
“And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall have charge of the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the regular grain offering..."
“As for the sons of Merari, you shall list them by their clans and their fathers' houses. From thirty years old up to fifty years old, you shall list them, everyone who can come on duty, to do the service of the tent of meeting. 31 And this is what they are charged to carry, as the whole of their service in the tent of meeting: the frames of the tabernacle..."
"This is the service of the clans of the Gershonites, in serving and bearing burdens: they shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of meeting..."
All this specialization was necessary in order to function as a moving worshipping people. God had a place for each one. Everyone's part was useful in the day to day operation of the tabernacle and the life of the people.
Fast forward to our day...No temple...No moving parts...no physical holy place...irrelevant? I don't think so.
I Cor.12.12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.
So God has purpose for each one of us. There are no dispensable members in Christ's kingdom. You have a part to play. God arranged the us in the body, for the mutual building up and encouragement.
Meaning, purpose and direction can be understood and appreciated when you and I understand where we fit in God's economy. If there is some doubt as where you belong, start with the fact that you belong, if you have belonged to JESUS. Then seek God and get busy serving one another. Do what you have a passion to do. See what others see in you who you trust. You and I have a special work to do...to the praise of His glory!
But I think there is something here for me and for you.
The following passages are all from Numbers 3 and 4.
This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting: the most holy things.
“And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall have charge of the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the regular grain offering..."
“As for the sons of Merari, you shall list them by their clans and their fathers' houses. From thirty years old up to fifty years old, you shall list them, everyone who can come on duty, to do the service of the tent of meeting. 31 And this is what they are charged to carry, as the whole of their service in the tent of meeting: the frames of the tabernacle..."
"This is the service of the clans of the Gershonites, in serving and bearing burdens: they shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of meeting..."
All this specialization was necessary in order to function as a moving worshipping people. God had a place for each one. Everyone's part was useful in the day to day operation of the tabernacle and the life of the people.
Fast forward to our day...No temple...No moving parts...no physical holy place...irrelevant? I don't think so.
I Cor.12.12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.
So God has purpose for each one of us. There are no dispensable members in Christ's kingdom. You have a part to play. God arranged the us in the body, for the mutual building up and encouragement.
Meaning, purpose and direction can be understood and appreciated when you and I understand where we fit in God's economy. If there is some doubt as where you belong, start with the fact that you belong, if you have belonged to JESUS. Then seek God and get busy serving one another. Do what you have a passion to do. See what others see in you who you trust. You and I have a special work to do...to the praise of His glory!
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Word
Jn 1.1 In the beginning was the Word...
Gn 1.1 In the beginning God...
Prior to space and time was the Word.
Even as God was already "in the beginning"
John would have been familiar with the first book of Moses.
Therefore, the Word is eternal.
v1 Word was with God. Word and God existed together.
Word and God distinguished. "Word was with God"
Word and God one. "Word was God."
v3 Word is the means of ALL creation. "Through him all things were made..."
implication: We are HIS creatures. We belong to Him!
transition from Word to Light metaphor...
v4 In the Word there is life. Life is the light of men
Word brings life/light, yet the darkness doesn't get it. What is blindness?
Can I see the life/light that the Word brings?
Introduction of John the Witness to the Light!
vs 9-10 Jesus comes into the world he created and is not recognized and therefore rejected by many.
Where is Jesus now?
Where can we see his Spirit?
vs 12 Those who do not reject Jesus, but receive him, those who believe/trust in Him...He gives these the right to be his children.
Born again...
...not from a blood relationship
...not from a good decision
...not from marrying a man who is connected
but born, instead, from God!
vs 14 Jesus is positively identified as the Eternal Word who entered our mess. He lived with us...as one of us, being still the Word. hmm?
John, the apostles says, "we have seen his glory". This is John's eyewitness account:
Jesus showed his glory at Cana, turning drinking water into great wine, blessing a newlywed couple and guests.
He showed his glory in clearing the temple with his anger.
He showed his glory speaking with the Samaritan woman who had a history...redeeming her.
He showed his glory by healing up close and healing from a distance. He has all power to heal.
He showed his glory by raising Laz from the dead, declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life..."
Heaven confirmed his chosen status as Jesus showed his glory on the mount of transfiguration...Eclipsing the great Lawgiver Moses and the powerful prophet Elijah. "This is my son whom I have chosen, LISTEN TO HIM."
The climax of the glory of Jesus is in his suffering, death on the cross and his resurrection which he had promised his disciples.
Words about Jesus
Word (Logos, Reason)
Maker
Life (breath)
Light (guidance, direction)
True light
Can you / I use any of these things? Can we be captivated by Him?
Gn 1.1 In the beginning God...
Prior to space and time was the Word.
Even as God was already "in the beginning"
John would have been familiar with the first book of Moses.
Therefore, the Word is eternal.
v1 Word was with God. Word and God existed together.
Word and God distinguished. "Word was with God"
Word and God one. "Word was God."
v3 Word is the means of ALL creation. "Through him all things were made..."
implication: We are HIS creatures. We belong to Him!
transition from Word to Light metaphor...
v4 In the Word there is life. Life is the light of men
Word brings life/light, yet the darkness doesn't get it. What is blindness?
Can I see the life/light that the Word brings?
Introduction of John the Witness to the Light!
vs 9-10 Jesus comes into the world he created and is not recognized and therefore rejected by many.
Where is Jesus now?
Where can we see his Spirit?
vs 12 Those who do not reject Jesus, but receive him, those who believe/trust in Him...He gives these the right to be his children.
Born again...
...not from a blood relationship
...not from a good decision
...not from marrying a man who is connected
but born, instead, from God!
vs 14 Jesus is positively identified as the Eternal Word who entered our mess. He lived with us...as one of us, being still the Word. hmm?
John, the apostles says, "we have seen his glory". This is John's eyewitness account:
Jesus showed his glory at Cana, turning drinking water into great wine, blessing a newlywed couple and guests.
He showed his glory in clearing the temple with his anger.
He showed his glory speaking with the Samaritan woman who had a history...redeeming her.
He showed his glory by healing up close and healing from a distance. He has all power to heal.
He showed his glory by raising Laz from the dead, declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life..."
Heaven confirmed his chosen status as Jesus showed his glory on the mount of transfiguration...Eclipsing the great Lawgiver Moses and the powerful prophet Elijah. "This is my son whom I have chosen, LISTEN TO HIM."
The climax of the glory of Jesus is in his suffering, death on the cross and his resurrection which he had promised his disciples.
Words about Jesus
Word (Logos, Reason)
Maker
Life (breath)
Light (guidance, direction)
True light
Can you / I use any of these things? Can we be captivated by Him?
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