Christ's invitation to hospitality
Genesis 18:1-10
Vs 3 "O Lord if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant”.
In the winter of 2009, there was a wedding planned in a rural town in Philadelphia. Arrangements were being done in the last 2 years and day has arrived. Guests from far and near arrived and were lodged in a hotel 20 miles away from where the ceremony and reception was supposed to take place. Unfortunately the wedding day was bombarded with a blizzard and traffic was completely blocked. People were not allowed to leave their hotel as it was dangerous. Since there was no other option other than conducting the wedding in the hotel where they were all staying, the bride and groom approached the hotel managers and sought their mercy and help.
They were in despair and told the hotel authorities if they can arrange everything including the reception in their grand ball room. Seeing their dilapidated condition and out of their great hospitality within 6 hours they arranged the hall as well as a sumptuous dinner for the guests.
Here the portion for our morning meditation is a very familiar passage. God along with two angels appearing to Abraham at Mamre. Abraham was sitting at the entrance of the tent in the middle of the day. Abraham who was a very rich man, we see here extending an extraordinary kindness to those men .Hospitality is a virtue for caring visitors and it was highly valued in ancient times when travelling was difficult and inns and resting places were not safe. The travellers of those times were dependent on the provisions and mercies of fellow believers.
We see Abraham making a delicious dinner for them and serving it politely. The men before they left told Abraham that Sarah would have a son in the coming year and they will be witnessing that in their next trip. What is the message God gives us through this passage? How hospitable are we to cater the needs of others? How much we go out of the way to help others.
Jesus has taught his disciples in his ministry “Whatever you do for these little ones, you do it for me “. Romans 12:13 it says, “Let our love be genuine”. Throw out what is evil and stick to what is good. We shall outdo another in showing honor. Love others with a brotherly affection.
We are serving our Lord indirectly by serving and treating well the sick, needy and the marginalized around. Scripture also says to give freely to saints and seek to show hospitality whenever and wherever possible. Jesus said, “I have come to serve and not to be served”.
Let us evaluate today how good is our attitude towards others. Are we selfish or hospitable to the needy and weary? If we need to change let it be today for that.
PRAYER
Lord enable us to be kind and hospitable to all that need our help. Out of the numerable blessings you have showered upon us enable us to share it with others in need. Open our eyes to see the needs of others. In Jesus name we Pray Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“Whatever you do for these little ones you do it for Me “.
Dr Thomas Jose Staten island Mar Thoma Church.
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
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