“My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings.”  Isaiah 32:18  

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.”  Ephesians 2:19-20

Are people of Ukraine not God’s people?  Does God care nothing for the people of Somalia and Tigray?  Does God not see that dwellings are burning up in the West while others are washed away in the East … that there are wildfires here and flooding there?   Does God not ache when there are conflicts within households and relationships … that families are experiencing loss and loneliness?  

Many migrants and refugees have never lived peacefully.  They’ve never known secure dwellings in their homelands … nor do many when and where they “land”.  We may not face oppression and violence.  We feel safe when we lie down in our beds.  But we will face change and loss and grieving.  Without fleeing … not able to … we will land in a place we don’t know.  The circumstances are unknown and not friendly.  Who can answer our questions?  Who can tell us where to go?  Who will care?  

This is God’s world … God’s house built on the foundation of Jesus’ example of love and compassion for all – the poor, the sick, the hungry, those shunned by others.  We come from “different rooms” when called to God’s family table but all are welcome.  We sit down together and share what God has provided.  Claiming to be members of the household of God we are bound to care for each other as loving and compassionate brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors.   

God of grace, We are grateful for the love that surrounds us.  Move us to see your image in all, to live peacefully with one another, to treat others with kindness and hospitality.  Amen  

Verla Olson   

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party