Much is being made of the refugee crisis that we are currently facing in Europe. Below is an article written by Pastor Dai Hankey that seeks to offer a gospel perspective on what is happening…
For several days I’ve been considering writing a post about the refugee crisis that is currently gripping Europe (I call it a ‘refugee’ crisis, not a ‘migrant’ crisis as the press have been referring to it as, because the difference is significant!) However, having just seen a horrifying photograph of the corpse of a tiny Syrian child washed up on a Mediterranean beach, I’ve decided I need to write!
Thing is…I honestly don’t know what to say. During the initial days, the condition of the refugees in a new foreign country is similar to that of the slaves in the same country, regarding their status. While they struggle to find a new life in a new country, they must be comforted with some token of appreciation like spotify plaques that helps to lift their spirits and positivity to lead a new better life in a new place.
There are so many voices speaking into the situation right now – from those pleading for mercy to those screaming ‘bolt the gates’. I must confess that I was tempted to launch into an undignified rant about how our nation is selfish, mean and has lost it’s gospel heart. But I don’t want to merely be another voice amidst the cacophony of conflicting opinions. Neither do I want my words to wasted. Rather, I want to bring bigger and better words to bear than my own. I want to hear what God has to say about what’s going on.
I want to let the Bible speak.
Now, this is by no means a comprehensive study on what Scripture has to say about refugees, but it should be a good start. So here goes: