You cannot be serious. The story of the great banquet is a picture of salvation. The man without the proper attire was refused entrance because he was unsaved, not because he didn't "honor the requirements." Likewise the story of the ten virgins is also a story about those on the right and wrong side of salvation. They were not called foolish because they "didn't fulfill the requirements." They were unprepared for the coming of the Bridegroom. To use these end times parables dealing with matters of heaven and hell and use them to support an uncompassionate political stance of turning our backs on the neediest people is reprehensible.
3) That same chapter cites individuals being given different "talents" but one who failed to do what he was told was called "lazy," had the gift taken away and was barred from the estate.
Yes. The big take away from a powerful parable about using the resources of God is that one of them was "lazy." What Mr. Tomczak fails to realize is that he is now this lazy servant. He is taking the resources God has given him and he is burying them. He is twisting the Bible because he has a political ideology that comes first.
4) In 2 Cor.8:12 we have the record of the early Christian community being reminded that giving to the needy in Jerusalem was "according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have." In other words, there are times we need to be realistic regarding our resources.
Personally yes, there are times we need to be realistic about or resources. I am curious if Tomczak, who is on record as supporting the unbiblical notion of New Testament tithing, would apply the same standard when it comes to giving to the church. Either way, this verse has nothing to do with how to treat those in dire need during a humanitarian crisis. Tomczak now takes his article in a more deliberate political slant by declaring that he disagrees with President Obama on immigration and lauds Governor Rick Perry's request for national guard troops in a 2009 letter. This of course is a popular right wing talking point devoid of truth. It would not have mattered if our entire army was amassed at the border. All of the surrendering children would still have to be let in for processing because of the George Bush 2008 law regarding sex trafficking. Regardless, Tomczak quickly returns to butchering Scripture:
Here's the deal: Amidst all the turmoil and confusion, it's time to embrace scriptural counsel from the Good Shepherd who referred to himself as the "Gate" stating, "I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of the sheepfold rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber" (Jn. 10:1).
So these five year olds are thieves and robbers now? Well Larry, here is the real deal. John 10:1 is a continuation from John 9 where Jesus is talking to the Pharisees about the Pharisees. This is about people leading the people of God falsely, you know, like you are attempting to do. The people sneaking over the wall of the sheepfold are false teachers, not six year olds from Guatemala. Tomczak outlines three steps to solve the crisis and they are: 1) Extend genuine love to all immigrants 2) Respect realistic limits 3) Obey the government & its laws.
When you read the details within which, what Tomczak is actually saying is - say some platitudes about loving your neighbor, then tell them you cannot afford to love them, and finally tell them they are breaking your laws and deport them. Because after all, that is what Jesus would do. I am going to skip over some of the political statements Tomczak makes despite their deceptive nature and stick to the Christian points. He states that if a lifeboat says the capacity is 12 and you try to save 25 everyone will drown. You're right Larry, Jesus would let those other 13 people drown. Convenient however that you make this observation from within the boat as one of the 12. He continues:
God tells us, "If you are willing (consent in your wills) and obedient (carry out the action) you shall eat the good of the land (reap abundant blessings)" (Is.1:19). One result of obedience is that immigrants shall not devour a nation's crops (see v.7). Sadly, hasn't this been happening?
Apparently his shamefulness knows no end. Isaiah 1 is God speaking to a rebellious Judah. The Bible does not refer to the people as "immigrants" but rather "foreigners." The judgment being visited is from outside nations destroying Judah, not eight year olds trying to escape poverty. The comparison is sickening; especially when you consider that many of these children are coming from Christian families in Central America. Tomczak heads to the close of the article with more demonization of people from other countries wrapped up in political talking points that are largely inaccurate before finishing with this gem:
Jesus loves all the little children of the world. He modeled the maxim of demonstrating love and honoring authority. We've squandered enough time and treasure trying things our way. It's time we humble ourselves and embrace the method of the Master.
