1 Kings 8:41-43, Deuteronomy 10:19, and Leviticus 19:33-34
Each of the passages above gives insight into the Lord’s heart for “the other.” Depending on the Bible translation, “the other” may appear as stranger, sojourner, or foreigner. In the context of these passages, “the other” is anyone who is not an Israelite. In another context, “the other” might reference those who are not like you socially, economically or ethnically. In the context of this course “the other” refers to those internationals who have settled into your city, attend your university or work at your company. It is very likely that these people practice a different religion, speak a different language, and eat different foods, among other things.
The passage in 1 Kings is a portion of Solomon’s prayer of dedication for the Jewish temple he had completed after 7 years of construction. Note that in his prayer, he expects foreigners to come. And his prayer is that God will hear the foreigners’ prayer “in order that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You as do the people of Israel” (8:43). In other words, Solomon wanted the Israelites to know the Lord so that all the other people of the earth would know the Lord, as well.
This passage serves as a model for our own hearts as we consider those who have come to our cities from far off places or how we think of those we encounter on short-term mission trips. While it is easy to get distracted by the different sounds, smells and sights, our hearts should mirror that of Solomon’s so that by being engaged with a welcoming spirit, they may come to know the Lord.
Short-term mission trips and local opportunities to encounter Internationals are the topics of this week’s lesson. Give some thought to the above passages prior to the lesson.
- If you have been on a short-term mission trip, how did you prepare your heart to engage “the other.”
- If you have ever encountered “the other” in your city, how did you react? Did you present a welcoming spirit, or did you treat them with suspicion? Do you think the encounter may have helped them come closer to knowing the Lord? Why or why not?
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