Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Invitation to Christ's hospitality
Psalms 15
Vs 1 “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?”
 It is probable that King David wrote this psalm after his failed attempt to bring the Ark of the Lord to Zion (2 Samuel 6). Awed by the holiness and magnificence of the presence of God, He ponders this question, who would be worthy of entering God’s presence and to enjoy a fellowship with Him? David goes on to describe a man who is righteous and blameless in all his ways. One who would never slander others or do wrong to his neighbor. A man who leads a kind of life that seems beyond what any of us could ever accomplish. The good news is that, God provided the answer to this through His Son Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).                                      
When Jesus was on earth, his ministry always displayed His Father’s heart of generosity and hospitality. He never turned away the little children who came to Him, or the leper or the woman who committed adultery. He even provided food for the thousands of people who followed Him. The Last Supper was his ultimate expression of generosity where Jesus reveals to his disciples that he was about to become the Passover Lamb of God, to offer his life as a ransom for many. After his resurrection, Jesus continued to show his love and provision by preparing breakfast for his wayward disciples, including Peter who betrayed Him. The early Christians also followed the example of Jesus and provided for one another’s needs after selling their possessions.                                        
In the Old Testament, we can see many cases where divine interventions and divine provisions came to people just because they were willing to show hospitality to strangers. Abraham’s hospitality towards the three visitors, rewarded him with the promise of a son. The Phoenician woman was saved from starvation and death due to her hospitality towards Prophet Elijah. When the Shunammite  woman ministered to the needs of Prophet Elisha, she was blessed with a son.         
So, let us then with glad and humble hearts accept this invitation of Christ’s hospitality towards us and extend his hospitality to strangers, for who knows, we might even end up ministering angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2).
PRAYER
Thank you, Lord Jesus, that by your death on the Cross of Calvary, we now have fellowship with God. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
-Maya Angelou

Anila Mariam Thomas, South Florida
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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