Exodus 23:9 “Do no oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt.”

This is a fairly remarkable, and to me rather moving, command. The Japanese expresses it, “You yourselves know well the heart of the alien.” The Israelites had certainly been oppressed in Egypt, so they knew well what it felt like. The Lord through Moses was telling them not to forget that, but apply it in treating aliens among them as they would have liked to have been treated. This ties in well with the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) and with what Paul said about extending to others the comfort we have received. (2 Corinthians 1:4) A major reason God allows even those who are committed to Him to experience difficulties is so that we can in turn be His agents in rescuing those in similar circumstances. It has been said that a doctor who has never been a patient isn’t a very good doctor, and I can believe it (though it certainly isn’t a one-to-one equivalence). On the specific matter of aliens today, there are lots of issues. One factor is the simple matter of legality. There is a world of difference between someone who has gone through the steps and someone who has “jumped the fence” (sometimes literally). However, this verse makes it clear that oppression is not an option in any case. Paying someone next to nothing to work for you because they are “undocumented” and can’t complain is a direct violation of this verse. Another issue is the matter of whether the alien has any intention of assimilating into their host culture. This is a very major problem in Europe today, because of large groups of Muslim immigrants who by their own admission are trying to hijack the culture of their host nation. Oppression isn’t the answer, but neither is blind stupidity!

I have a unique perspective on this issue, having been born in Japan of American parents. Japan has historically been one of the most ethnically closed societies on earth, and living here as an alien has certainly had its challenges. Demographic pressures are forcing Japan to accept more immigrants than in the past, but acceptance has been glacial at times. I am not to focus on rejection or injustice, however much I might be the brunt of it, but rather be as consistent as possible in expressing the love and character of Christ. It is a huge stretch for a Japanese to accept as Japanese someone who doesn’t look oriental, at least, so I need to focus on grace rather than on hurts so as to draw as many as possible into God’s family.

Father, thank You for Your grace toward me, and for my unique circumstances. Help me apply the lessons You’ve taught me through my experiences so that others may be helped and You may be glorified. May I remember the depths from which You have lifted me, so that I may be Your instrument in lifting others from their own pit, however different that might be from the one from which I came. Thank You. Praise God!