Miracles weren’t supposed to happen on nights like that. Gunshots filled the air. Violence was everywhere. Already feeling the contractions, Maria was desperate to find refuge. Just when Maria thought she wasn’t going to make it one more step, a woman opened the door of her shack and invited her in. Within the hour, Maria gave birth to a son and named him Jesus. When José made it to Maria, they knew they had to get Jesus to a safer location. After some hesitancy, the family decided to cross the border.
Over and over, Maria and José wondered if they would make it. The scorching desert burned their skin and stole their hydration. Just when they thought they were as good as dead, they stumbled on a highway. A generous man pulled over and drove the family to Dallas. After some hard months, Maria and José were able to afford an apartment. Desperate for spiritual nurture, the family started to attend the First Baptist Church of Dallas.
Over the years, Jesus grew in his knowledge of God. In high school, Jesus made an appointment with his pastor to discuss his call to ministry. Coming off a heated interview, Dr. Robert Jeffress was shocked to learn that Jesus didn’t have proper immigration papers. Unable to go back on his strong statements, Dr. Jeffress asked his secretary to call ICE. I guess he couldn’t see the savior of the world sitting in front of him.
In an interview with Fox News last week, Dr. Robert Jeffress insinuated that churches should assist in the deportation of undocumented immigrants. How far from the Gospel of Jesus can a minister get? Does the love of Jesus only extend to our borders? In Matthew 25, Jesus declares that he embodies the stranger. Please don’t follow Dr. Jeffress and blind your eyes to Jesus.
Amen.
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