Revoked

The U.S. State Department is “aggressively revok[ing] visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields,” according to a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The move comes amid increasing economic tension—including an ongoing tariff escalation—between the U.S. and China, and also as world observers warn about the possibility of a Chinese takeover of Taiwan.

Analysis and eternal perspective: While it is not immediately clear which authorities the administration will draw on to implement the directive from Sec. Rubio, it is all but certain that implementation will be challenged in court. As that process plays out, Chinese students studying in America will need to decide whether to stay the course or voluntarily leave the country to pursue their studies elsewhere.

As a Jesus follower, there is a clear delineation of at least two biblical mandates here:

The first is in Romans 13, which reminds us that governing authorities are “God’s servants” and deserving of our respect. It is a sober thing to be tasked with governing authority, and we should pray for those who shoulder it, that they would have wisdom to both guard against threat and encourage flourishing.

The second mandate is much more specific for you and me, and it is very simply to “show hospitality to strangers” (Heb 13:2). You may have a view—favorable or not—about the governing decision to restrict student visas of certain foreign nationals. But that decision ultimately rests with governing authorities you are supporting in prayer. In the meantime, the duty to care for the stranger currently in your land rests with you.

As Jesus followers, let’s each endeavor to clearly recognize the duty that is ours and pray for our leaders as they execute the duty that is theirs.

The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.