“Christians & Hospitality”

Sunday, February 25, 2018

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”  (Heb. 13:1-2)

The possibility of entertaining angels in the passage above is an idea full of potential excitement. Some of God’s people did show hospitality to angels before they realized they had done so (Gideon, Abraham, Lot, etc). However, in our excitement about that possibility, I think we can easily overlook the most obvious implication of it: they would have never entertained angels if they were not given to hospitality.

The simplest things are often the easiest to overlook, and such is the case with demonstrations of hospitality. Contrasted with the grand scope of a missionary journey, hosting a visiting preacher or an elderly couple for dinner in your home may not seem like much of a contribution to the kingdom… but it is. Contrasted with the notoriety of a preacher who publicly proclaims the eternal gospel in front of large crowds, thanklessly welcoming a repentant and recovering brother to live with might not seem like much of a contribution to the kingdom… but it is. When contrasted with the high commendations spoken at the funeral of a long-tenured elder in the church, perhaps the simple act of giving gifts to a few widows seems insignificant… but the Lord once raised a woman from the dead to continue giving such gifts.

Don’t show hospitality in hopes of entertaining angels. But do show hospitality. Be a blessing. Love your brothers. Live as a Christian.

- Dan Lankford, minister

Share