HOSPITALITY
18th Apr 2018
Whilst reading Deuteronomy over the past few days I was struck by the instructions given about being generous to strangers; about making sure the Levites were well looked after even when they moved to a different locality, and other ways God’s people should always be hospitable.
Many years ago, we were talking with a friend who had been in the Merchant Navy as a young believer travelling all over the world. Those who had led him to the Lord had given him a small book with the names and addresses of believers in almost every port who were willing to give hospitality to young sailors wanting and needing Christian fellowship. He told of the blessing of arriving in some strange port on the other side of the world, phoning the number in the book, finding within minutes that a car would arrive, and enjoying fellowship and encouragement from complete strangers.
Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Some years ago we were asked to have an Australian family to stay for a few days as they wanted to see Cornwall. We were very happy to do this, and as the car drew up at our house, our 9 year old son came running into the house shouting, “Our friends have arrived.” A true statement as these strangers are still close friends 40 years later! I think we were entertaining angels without knowing it!
Jesus was a guest in the house of Zacchaeus, a complete stranger having invited himself to the house of the tax collector. That was a life changing encounter that transformed his life forever.
I don’t really know why I am writing on this topic today, but it has been going around inside me over the past few days. Hospitality is a great gift, and the ones who give it are usually the ones who get the greater blessing.
Don’t miss out of having a few angels in your home.
by Charles Sibthorpe
