Welcome the Sojourner

Leviticus 19:33-34; Romans 15:7

How was this week’s reading?

Anyone ever changed schools? Anyone ever moved?

How was that experience?

Starting at a new school in fifth grade

BRUTAL

I was a sojourner. Does anyone know what sojourner means?

I was an outsider. I was treated like an outsider!

Coming to college… BSM treated me like I belonged. Even though it was like I was an alien in a strange land (freshman in college are a lot like aliens, they’re weird)… I was met with a warm welcome and hospitality

Anyone ever tried to read straight through the Bible and hit the Leviticus wall?

Background of Leviticus

Leviticus 19:33-34

This was not a recommendation- this was a LAW

If asked, many of us would say that God likes us to welcome outsiders… but not that He COMMANDS us to welcome outsiders.

Also in the chapter:

“Do not steal”

“Do not lie”

“Do not deceive one another”

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD”

… And verse 33-34

Alright, so why does God care so much about this?

“… for you were foreigners in Egypt”

“Remember your time in Egypt?”

The people of Israel were made into slaves. Slave masters were put over them to oppress them with forced labor.

They were dealt harshly with. They knew they were foreigners.

“Hey- don’t do that with other people. Welcome them in. Love them as yourself.”

Treat them with kindness, dignity, and respect. We’re all made in the Image of God.

Yet… you and I have a even greater reason to welcome the sojourner

Romans 15:5–7 ESV

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

God saved you through Jesus Christ. He gives wonderful gifts.

The gift of salvation.

While you were a sojourner, and your sin made you an outsider, He brought you in. He welcomed you. He rejoiced in making you His family.

God rejoices to make us One. To bring unity.

He gives His Spirit. He gives endurance and encouragement, because that’s who He is.

You live to serve and please this God, not to please people.

You live for Him. To glorify Him.

Because of God’s great love, and to please Him, welcome others as Christ welcomed you.

Bring Him glory!!

Application:

How can you welcome the outsider and stranger?

First, remember and rejoice YOU are welcomed. You are.

Here at church?

This is something we are excited for. We step into this calling- we don’t simply “avoid being negative towards someone” or begrudgingly say hello

At school?

We are a gathering that will relentlessly welcome the sojourner and first-timer.

Wednesday nights. Sunday nights each month. Fifth quarters. It is in our DNA.

Take this at a large, grand scale. Discussion and news of war, hatred, inequality, discrimination, racism, critical race theory, etc. etc. etc. We as people so easily make it into the weeds of conversations and miss the main point. Miss the heart of God.

May we be people who show others what Jesus is like. May we people who are welcoming to our own and outsiders.

Show others they are loved by God and they have worth, dignity, and value. Made in the IMAGE of God.