Hospitality has a long tradition in the history of Israel. It was the custom to offer hospitality to travelers, strangers who might be passing through. In the Biblical eastern world one was considered obligated morally to provide food, shelter, and protection to traveling strangers. Hospitality was essential to the survival of travelers at that time.
Contrast that with society today. When we travel today we don’t think for a second about this type of hospitality. Most of us just get into our car and go; when we are hungry we stop at a restaurant and when evening comes we check into a hotel to sleep.
Rosaria Butterfield states in an interview with Christianity Today; “Christian Hospitality is different from Southern Hospitality. Christian hospitality is not entertainment.” She goes on to share a process where we meet strangers, welcome that same stranger to become our neighbor and then getting to know that neighbor well enough, that if God ordains it, the neighbor becomes a member of God’s family. This is all accomplished through repentance and belief.
True hospitality is not easy; it requires vulnerability and as a friend told me today; an open heart, open hand, and open mind. Butterfield also addresses fear as an obstacle; fear of saying the wrong thing, fear of dining with strangers, and fear of thinking we have nothing to offer. When asked about how to get over that fear, she simply says, “Find someone already doing it and help them.” I would encourage you to read about Rosaria Butterfields “unlikely” conversion. Just search her name and you’ll find numerous articles and interviews.
Paul writes in Hebrews 13:2; “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
As we journey through Advent, preparing to celebrate God revealing Himself to us in Christ one cannot miss out on the chance to reveal Jesus to a stranger. After all, Jesus tells us when we welcome a stranger we are welcoming Him.
Prayer: Gracious Father, forgive me when I have overlooked, been afraid, or just too busy to show hospitality to a stranger. Please provide me an opportunity this Advent Season to show Christian Hospitality to someone I really do not know well or at all. Please prepare my heart and mind right now through Your Holy Spirit to be ready for that opportunity. Grant me the courage to be vulnerable, to open my heart and hand, just as Jesus opened His heart and hands to me. Remind me that I have much to offer to others. I pray this in Jesus name, Amen.
Grace and Peace, Pastor Brett
Powerful and true! Our hospitality is very different from Biblical times. Strangers are regarded with fear, but how much of it is self-doubt? I see that in myself, but meeting new people while in the company of my friends makes my confidence grow. Serving at Community Table is one example, and is a joyful hospitality for me – and to those strangers we serve who don’t need to remain as strangers.
Amen!