Opening the borders
by Pastor Jim Strelan
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‘Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches’ (Ezekiel 17:23).
Australia, as with other countries, has, for a long time, had issues over border control. In this case, it’s not about COVID-19 restrictions but more generally: who should we let in, and who should we restrict? Will ‘outsiders’ pollute our culture, our way of life, and our freedom, or should we open our arms to them? An interesting question!
What about you, personally? How do you feel about those around you who are different in some way? Those who look different, have a different socio-economic background, and maybe even have a different religion? Do you want to close your borders to protect you and those you love, or do you want to open them wide?
And what about your church community? Is your church a ‘mighty fortress’, standing firm against anything or anyone who might challenge the way you’ve always thought and operated?
The Jewish people of biblical times struggled with issues like this. In Ezekiel, God speaks judgement against his own chosen people when they turned from him, but he also says words of hope. He speaks of a new time, a new tree, which will grow and have branches big enough and be far-reaching to accommodate birds of every kind. Jesus says something similar in one of his parables.
Just like all non-Indigenous Australians come from ‘outside’, so do you who call yourself Christian. The borders have been opened to you. You have been welcomed. You have been given shelter. Will you, in your attitudes, your opinions expressed, your actions, offer the same to those who are not like you? Will you point them to the One who opens his arms and invites all to come to him and there find rest?
Lord God, when my arms are crossed firmly across my chest, prise them loose so that I can reach out to others as you have reached out to me. Thank you for your graciousness. Amen.
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