The Heart That Breaks for the Lost

Strangers and Citizens: God's Heart for Justice and Mercy | Day 9

Good morning, beloved friends in Christ! As we continue navigating these challenging immigration conversations, today we pause to look at something that transcends policy debates and political positions. We're looking at people—real human beings created in God's image, souls for whom Christ died.

Lost souls are everywhere in this debate. On every side. In every camp. In every position.

Key Scripture:

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'" — Matthew 9:36-38 (NIV)

When Jesus looked at the crowds, He didn't see political factions. He saw people—harassed, helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. And His response was compassion that moved Him to the core of His being.

If Jesus were physically present in our current immigration situation, what would He see?

He would see immigrants—some fleeing danger, some seeking opportunities, some making desperate choices. Many have never heard His name. Many may be trusting their own plans rather than God's providence. They need to hear the Gospel. They need the Good Shepherd.

He would see protesters—passionate people who believe they're fighting for justice. Some may be breaking laws to protect those who've broken laws. But like all of us, they're sinners who need a Savior. They need to hear that true justice and true mercy meet only at the cross of Christ.

He would see citizens—some deeply concerned about their communities, some frustrated by lawlessness, some responding with harsh words. Some may have legitimate concerns; others perhaps attitudes that dishonor God. But all of them stand as sinners before a holy God. They need the Gospel.

He would see Christians—confused, divided, uncertain how to navigate these waters. Some may be struggling to hold truth and grace together. We're all learning, all growing, all in need of God's wisdom and the Spirit's guidance. We all need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

He would see policy makers, law enforcement officers, judges, border patrol agents, activists, journalists—people in every role. And among all of them, He would see those who need to hear the Good News of salvation through faith in Him alone.

This is what Scripture makes clear: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16 NIV). Christ died for all. But salvation comes only through repentance and faith. Jesus said, "Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15 NIV).

Everyone in this immigration debate—on every side—needs to hear this Gospel. Not a political message. They need to hear that Jesus Christ died for their sins and rose again, and that "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12 NIV).

When we see this—when we recognize that lost souls surround us—it should humble us. We're not standing on moral high ground. We're standing at the foot of the cross as sinners saved by grace through faith alone. From that position, we can point others to the same Savior who rescued us.

"God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8 NIV). He died for the immigrant, the protester, the citizen, the confused Christian, the policy maker. Everyone.

This should move us to prayer for all sides. We should pray that God would open hearts to the Gospel. We should pray for opportunities to share Christ's love—not His approval of sin, but His offer of forgiveness and new life through repentance and faith.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for seeing this immigration issue as primarily political when souls are at stake. Give me Your compassion for the lost on every side of this debate. Help me see that people everywhere need to hear the Gospel—that You died for sinners and offer forgiveness through repentance and faith.

Thank You that You demonstrated Your love by dying for us while we were still sinners. Thank You that Your grace is sufficient for every sinner who turns to You in faith. Give me opportunities to share the Gospel with people who think differently than I do. Help me see them as souls who need You. Send more workers into this harvest field, Lord.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Every person involved in this debate—regardless of their position—is a sinner who needs the Savior. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23 NIV). Every single one of us needs the same solution: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23 NIV).

The harvest is plentiful. The workers are few. Lost souls are all around us—on every side, holding every viewpoint. May we see them with hearts that long for their salvation and faithfulness that keeps pointing them to Jesus Christ, the only Savior who can rescue them from sin and death.

To God be the Glory—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who sent His Son to die for sinners, who offers salvation through faith alone, and who calls us to proclaim this Gospel to all people!

If someone you know needs to hear the Gospel—regardless of where they stand on immigration or any other issue—invite them to join Morning Encouragement by texting "add" to 833-779-8793.