Radical Hospitality

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Hebrews 13:1-2,16 (NKJV) Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

What it is speaking to me:

Hospitality in ancient times was very different from how we think of it today. Because of the difficulties and dangers involved in travel, texts from the Ancient Near East and the Old Testament present hospitality toward strangers as a sacred social and moral duty. For the Jewish people, that hospitality was tied to their national identity. They had been sojourners in the wilderness, and it was their religious responsibility to show care to travelers. For example, you could have ended up with people you had never met before on your doorstep, and you were obligated to feed and water them, care for them medically, let them sleep in your house — the whole nine yards. You even had to protect them as if they were family members.

In today's world this is radical, many would say even crazy to consider. I am not advocating for anyone to invite every stranger who knocks on the door into their home. But what would the spirit of that kind of hospitality look like today?

A thought that stands out is: who do you invite into your home? Only close friends? People you are connected with, have a history with, or share similar interests and personalities with? While there is certainly hospitality involved in that, does it capture the spirit of hospitality in these verses?

What if we invited people we didn't know as well? Neighbors, coworkers, new folks at church, or even folks at church we simply don't know well. Maybe they are people with whom you might not share any background, personality, or interests. Yet you show them Christ's love and care through your hospitality. Perhaps we underestimate how powerfully the gospel can be shared around the dinner table or in our living rooms, rather than only from a chair on Sunday morning. It is kind of exciting to think about, isn't it?

What is it saying to you?

Who are your regular house guests? Who is over all the time?Who is in your sphere that the Lord might have given to you?How could you show them hospitality?

What are we going to do about it?

Invite someone into your home or life today who is outside of your normal social circle or comfort zone.