Open doors - 13 May 2010 |
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Scripture teaches that as Christians we have a responsibility to be hospitable and welcoming to those around us. We looked at this a few months back during our sermons on Hebrews, but it’s such an important aspect of our life as a church that I want to reflect on it again.
Hebrews 13:1-2 says, “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
A couple of comments on this text.
First, hospitality is an ongoing responsibility. These Hebrew Christians have evidently started well – there is no evidence of a rebuke for their ungodliness here or elsewhere. Yet v. 1 emphasises, “Let brotherly love continue.” Starting well is one thing; finishing well is the key.
Second, offering hospitality is a great privilege. Hebrews 13:2 alludes to the occasion in Genesis 18 when Abraham welcomed the three men, and points out that by showing hospitality “some have entertained angels unawares.” Indeed, a closer look at Genesis reveals that Abraham was welcomgin the LORD himself. Abraham would not have been surprised to hear Jesus say, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).
Can I urge you all, therefore, to make the most of every opportunity to show hospitality to those around you.
Posted by Steve Jeffery · Topics: Exhortations before confession, Minister's Blog