The World is on the Move

I often pray for family, community, church, and neighbor. And by neighbor I mean anyone and everyone to whom the Lord calls me to serve. In praying for Neighbor today, an overwhelming sense of urgency came upon me. It was not peaceful. It felt the opposite of what I have come to know as peace.

I was visiting with my parents yesterday and my 94 year old Dad told me about an article he just read in National Geographic about world migration. He said, son the world is on the move. Did you know about this? I replied, well yes Dad. Are you speaking of the migration on our continent? He said, not just that son - all over the world! God’s people are moving!

My Dad may have said something profound. He has been known to do that from time to time. The article sure impressed upon him a sense of urgency as to the plight of so many.

Here’s the deal... those migrating are someone’s neighbor. Are they mine or yours to care for? That seems to be one of the primary questions of our day. And what does it mean to care, to offer hospitality, to provide safety, to welcome, to make a way? Countries across the globe are struggling with these questions. Our country is divided on the matter.

Neighbors, whether those with sameness or those with otherness, are all created in the image of God. Neighbors are people with families and dreams and lives filled with wonder and questions. Who am I to discard a neighbor, to turn a blind eye, to walk by, to actively engage with hostility? So many questions. One answer.

Matthew 25 is a place to seek counsel.

The urgency I feel this morning is not going away anytime soon. The world is on the move.

Along the Way
​Padtor Paul