Scripture: Deuteronomy 24:17-18 (TNIV)
Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, find or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there.

Thought for the Day: Today is World Refugee Day. According to the U.N., ambulance 42.5 million people had been forcibly displaced from their homelands by the end of 2011. Most flee because of war, terror, or ethnic persecution.

We’re reminded time and again in Scripture that those of us fortunate to live in free societies have an obligation to welcome the refugee from oppressive lands. I am hopeful that the turmoil we see around the world today, from the Arab Spring in the Middle East to the Euro debt crisis, to economic and social issues here in the U.S., are simply signs of a world dealing with shrinking borders. I see the current turmoil as a sign that people of diverse cultures around the globe are beginning to realize the beauty of each other’s differences, and the power of liberty.

I see God at work in the world, bringing all God’s people into covenant with each other and God’s self. It’s a new thing for us to truly see ourselves as global brothers and sisters, and the old systems of human interaction, the old model of “someone has to lose” or “stay off my land” will resist the new model of “there’s enough for all of us. Welcome to my home, how may I serve you?”

Ultimately though, resistance is futile. God’s love always wins. A new world is being created. While it takes shape, we must be mindful of those who the oppressors would cast aside, and offer our service to them, as Jesus ceaselessly offers his service to us.

Prayer: Help me become the being of love and acceptance you created me as, Holy Lord. May I always be willing to offer my gifts to those who show up at my border hungry, scared, beaten and abused. Use me, Lord, to help create your Divine kingdom of peace and cooperation. Amen.