Challenge: Hospitality

One common thread throughout the Bible is the theme of hospitality. Over and over, scripture records stories about people who were hospitable and people who were not hospitable. Often in these stories those who offer hospitality discover that when they welcomed in a stranger, they were actually welcoming God into their home and life. Here are just a few examples:

In Genesis 18, Abraham sees three travelers and welcomes them in only to have the voice of the visitors suddenly become the voice of God.
In Judges 6, an Angel of God comes to Gideon as a stranger and reveals himself as God’s messenger after Gideon extends hospitality.
In Luke 24, two travelers welcome a stranger to stay with them, only to discover it is the risen Christ.

Hebrews 13 extorts its hearers to show hospitality to strangers, with the reminder that in doing so men and women have unwittingly entertained Angels.

One of the best ways to make room for God in our lives is to make room for hospitality. The more we live with lives that are open to others, the more opportunity God has to show up. 

This week we have a challenge for you. We want you to live with hospitality. Sometime over the next seven days, find a way to invite someone to eat a meal with you. It could be that you offer to take someone out to lunch, or you could invite them to join you and your family for dinner. Don’t be afraid to be creative! Be open to how God might be present in the midst of your meal.