Genesis 18:1-5, 10: The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”
Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”
This is a great example of biblical hospitality lived out in the Old Testament by Abraham and Sarah. We learned that Abraham waited at the entrance of his tent to entertain any weary travelers passing through in the heat of the day. When he saw the three visitors were nearby, he ran to them and invited them into his home. Just as Abraham waited, we should also wait at the entrance of our home, church, or workplace for opportunities to serve strangers in this same way. How often do we run towards a stranger and invite them into our home? If you’ve answered, “not so often” or “not at all,” then let the action of Abraham encourage you to make the first move; to run and greet a stranger today.
Just as Abraham waited, we should also wait at the entrance of our home, church, or workplace for opportunities to serve strangers in this same way.
When you see a stranger, you shall not do him wrong, instead, you should do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Heb 13:16). God is faithful and He continues to fulfill the promises that he said he would do. Just like what He did for Abraham and Sarah during this event, He assured them of their hearts’ desires by revealing the exact time they would have a child together. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
As we pay attention to the people we interact with today, may we be reminded to love the way Jesus loves us.
Because of sin and brokenness in this world, Satan will find ways to tempt the people of God into being self-centered. When you are tempted in this way, you can combat the enemy’s voice by being reminded of your calling. As we pay attention to the people we interact with today, may we be reminded to love the way Jesus loves us. May we not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it (Heb 13:2). When you show hospitality, show it to one another without grumbling.
Today, prepare your heart and be ready to serve a stranger when an opportunity for hospitality presents itself. As long as you have the opportunity, let yourself do good to everyone; through love serve one another. What you do for a stranger, you also do it for Jesus (Matt. 25:40). Let’s pray…
Dear Heavenly Father,
Give us hearts of compassion and the willingness to serve others through hospitality. May we show love to all who come in our direction.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Dorcas Xiong (N. Xf. Matthew Xyooj)
Dorcas Xiong (N. Xf. Matthew Xyooj) is from North Saint Paul, Minnesota. She has been married to Matthew Xiong for 10 years. They have 2 children and another one on the way! Dorcas graduated from Nyack College with a background in Elementary Education. She is passionate about helping children explore, understand, and discover this big world around them. During her free time, she enjoys building relationships with the people in her community, church, neighborhood and family.