Monday, May 30, 2011

Immigration & Globalization in the Bible (Part 1)

It is amazing how much immigration takes place in the Bible. In fact, when reading the Bible, especially the part called the "Old Testament" one will realise that globalization is nothing new. Bible stories all talk about the issues of globalization and immigration.

As I prepare myself for my sojourn in Canada to study, these issues occupy my mind, and the only scriptures that seem relevant to me are those about immigration issues. What are the stories that can inspire me as I leave my home country to a foreign one? What spiritual lessons can I learn? Like the Jews, and as a spiritual Jew, can I draw inspiration from the immigrants of the past? What does the Holy Scriptures declare about the phenomena of globalisation and immigration?

This is hoped to be the first of a series of spiritual exploration of the topic. However, I will write/type as I have time, though my heart, spirit and mind will continuously reflect upon this theme in the Bible, until the L-RD fills me with sufficient stories from the scriptures to prepare me for my study experience in a foreign land among a multi-cultural people.

So let's begin in Genesis and proceed to Revelation. However, in this blog entry we will stop before at Adam. (My children are awake as early as I am, and as such I may not get enough time to write more, before they demand my attention).

So in the beginning G-d stated that his purpose for man was to immigrate and be global. Mankind's mission statement according to G-d was to 'be fruitful, multiply and replenish the earth' and to form a global government over the earth's resources (Genesis 1:28). Clearly,  G-d purpose was for globalization and for the spread of humanity all over the earth. In another scripture verse in Isaiah 45:18, G-d declares that his purpose for man was to inhabit the earth and not leave it desolate. Hence people should not be clustered just in part, but must be everywhere on earth.

Another issue is that G-d has no intention for humanity to permanently live in heaven (if ever live in heaven). Numerous scriptures tell us about G-d's purpose and mission for humanity on earth. I will just bullet a few more below:

  • Psalm 115:16 (New International Version)'The highest heavens belong to the LORD,but the earth he has given to mankind.'
  • Matt. 6:10: - New International Version - 'your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven'.
  • Ecclesiastes 1:4 (King James Version) - 'One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.'
  • Psalm 104:5 - (King James Version) - "[Who] laid the foundations of the earth, [that] it should not be removed for ever"
  • Psalm. 37: 11: (KJV) "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”


G-d himself established his embassy or high commission in a place call Eden, where he regularly met with the first government (human beings) of the earth. In Eden he revealed his diplomatic mission and was the first ambassador.