loving the aliens

Alien...what's your first thought when you hear that word? Strange people from outer space, someone from another country, a person you aren't getting along with, an opportunity to love? Wait a minute, how did that last one get on the list? As I think about the commission God has given me, and as I wrote about being an imitator yesterday, I remember clearly the way God used some verses in Deut. 10 to give me a new perspective on aliens almost 6 years ago now. "For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe. He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt."v. 17-19 Here is a place to start. Those who are aliens--appearing to be strangers, and often feeling like strangers--are the very ones God loves. How does He demonstrate that love? He gives them food and clothing.

If you've been reading my past posts, you've had the opportunity to see that physical needs like food and clothing aren't the only things God takes an interest in. Therefore, while He does care about that side, He does not limit Himself to responding only to the physical needs. The largest group of aliens are those who are separated from God, strangers to the covenant of promise as Ephesians 3 puts it, and for these God provides food in the form of Jesus who is the Bread of Life and clothes them with His righteousness.

To those of us who have been rescued and brought into relationship with the great and awesome God, He extends this invitation: "So show your love for the alien,". How do we do this? I believe it has to start with a recognition of need. Who do you know that is in this position of alienation? Let's look at the physical aspect first. Maybe someone who just relocated, or who lost a close friend or family member, or is experiencing job loss. It could be a person from another country who is having a hard time learning the ins and outs of your culture. What can you do to demonstrate love to them? Maybe a meal or some clothes are in order. Maybe there's some other kind of food or clothing needed. Perhaps you could feed them encouragement or clothe them with words of kindness. Don't limit yourself to the usual definition of food and clothing.

And then there's the spiritual aspect. I think a key to our response here is found in the second half of this verse: "for you were aliens in the land of Egypt." But I was never in Egypt, you might say. That may be true, but do you remember when you were separated from God, when you were His enemy, dead in your trespasses and sins? If I am going to show true love, it is essential for me to remember what it was like being an alien. This will help to condition my responses to meet the need rather than causing further alienation for the one I am trying to help.

Am I ready to take the plunge? Are you? This is our commission: Be imitators; show love as I have shown love to you!