Us, Them and We

As a Christian we will always be a 'them' this side of resurrection.

We are exiles. The real home we have is in the future - for now its like living in a rental.

We, the church, take in the 'them' in hopes that they find the True Hope that for 2000

years caused the Church to do some mighty costly things....all due to the 'love of Christ'

that should compel every believer.

Yet we are reminded to welcome the stranger - for more than 2000 years the church has historically done so- even if it causes us to be called a 'them' - so much so that for years the church had 'Christ rooms' to house those that wandered.

Corrie Ten Boom was a 'them' - she took in Jews that had been targeted by Nazi Germany in its quest to be 'Great' again. My guess is that she was not like by her neighbors.

Clarence Jordan was a 'them' - he helped create a community where as a NT Greek scholar he hoped to mimic what the early church was like - no matter the skin color. His farm and ministry was bombed, shot and had 80+ car loads of KKK members show up to confront him.

André Trocmé was a 'them' - he and his church in the village of Le Chambon sur Lignon took in Jews, refugees and immigrants that were being marginalized by the Fascist regime in France during WWII.

I have known many 'thems' - friends that took in those that society deemed as 'thems'

City Vibe - that work with the homeless - that society deemed as 'thems'.

A pastor that helps those at the border - those that society deemed as 'thems' since they left home to find a better one.

We also make 'thems'..

'Thems' that take the vaccine or 'thems' that don't.

'Thems' that come from central America or Mexico or a Muslim country.

'Thems' that vote differently.

The Plateau by Maggie Paxton is a look into what happened in Le Chambon during WWII when the village took in many 'thems'. She gives a warning from those that create 'thems'.

On a plaque given in honor for those they saved the top verse is worth noting

"The memory of the righteous will stay forever" - Psalm 112:6

"God, let me not be afraid to defend the weak because of the anger of the strong, nor afraid to defend the poor because of the anger of the rich. Show me where love and hope and faith are needed, and work in me to help bring them to those places."

Boz Tchividjian

I am a 'them' that shows the shalom of God available in Christ - no matter the risk.