4 minute read
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 NIV)
Angels are amongst us.
One angel I met was a gentleman in college. On my commute home from class one day, I accidentally ran into his car. I have never forgotten his kindness. He immediately recognized I was a broke college student. Even though the accident was my fault, he didn’t charge me with the crime. His car damaged more than mine, yet he didn’t make me pay. Instead, he showed me kindness and let me go. To this day, I do not know his name. Sometimes I wonder if God sent him to save me from a worse accident. Someone needed to slow me down in those days, that angel did.
Angels exist.
God created angels. Zondervan’s analysis of angels is worth reading. Over 280 times, the word “angel” appears in the Bible. According to today’s verse, we may not recognize them. Abraham, who God used to start the Jewish nation, recognized angels when he saw them.
“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.” (Genesis 18:2 NIV)
Abraham’s first action is to offer them hospitality:
“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.” (Genesis 18:4-6 NIV)
Lead with love. No matter who God places before you, care for them. If they need food, feed them; clothing, clothe them; acceptance, accept them. Everyone is looking for connections in today’s world. The internet creates a form of contact, but nothing like face-to-face experiences.
God made us in His image:
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image” (Genesis 1:26 NIV)
Created in God’s image, we have great value and purpose. God’s light shines through our lives as we apply His word to them. Our mission is clear: love God, love others. Walking in obedience means leading with love so reflect God’s radiance to the world around us. Showing hospitality to strangers is another way to accomplish the goal. When we do, we just might hear from God through an angel:
“Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” (Genesis 18:10 NIV)
Angels are messengers of God. Abraham learned of his destiny through the strangers God sent to him.
Show hospitality to strangers. Angels exist. You never know when you will meet one or what they will say.
Question of the Day:
Who can you show hospitality to today?
Further Reading:Ezekiel 33-34 NIV, Hebrews 13:1-25 NIV, Psalm 115 NIV, Proverbs 27:21-22 NIV
