“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” – Hebrews 13:1-2
Scripture reading: Acts 2:40-47
Someone dear to my heart used to joke around during that dreaded time of COVID-19, “I was made for times like these. I am required to have a six-foot personal bubble, and no one can unexpectedly hug me.” I’d add to the levity by saying, “I am tempted to buy her a doormat that reads: ‘Welcome. Why are you here’”?!
Who visits you? Who do you invite into your home? When was the last time you intentionally hosted people you didn’t know? There are churches that have “host families” designed each Sunday, so newcomers to the local congregation have a place to go for lunch. While that is a good idea, it points to a deeper issue among the family of Jesus Christ. Many church members do not spontaneously welcome outsiders.
How welcoming are you really? The command is for people who are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, who are being made new in Jesus Christ, to extend hospitality. In fact, men should not be leaders in the household of God if they are not demonstrating their commitment to Jesus by showing hospitality to strangers.
In Hebrews such strangers were those who were fleeing persecution, or people who were called by God to the mission field. There were no hotels nor readily available accommodations so church members opened their homes to people they didn’t know, confident that it was the Lord Himself and His messengers whom they were entertaining. What about you? How open is your home and your heart to the people God is sending your way?
Suggestions for prayer
Give thanks to God for those among you who have the gift of hospitality; pray for the Spirit to reveal to you if you are doing well in this area or need to make yourself, your family and your home open to others.
For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
