See What The Lord Will Do With Your Generous Hospitality

Several years ago, I wrote the following Lenten devotion. Today, in the middle of Lent—I revisited it and found it instructive. As we consider not only how to use our specific gifts (some of us having the spiritual gift of Hospitality), we also need to reflect on how we might image Christ to those around us in ways that extend His grace in unique ways (with or without Hospitality as an area of giftedness):

 

Genesis 18:2-5 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.”

 

Opinions differ about the men.  Some commentators think they are all angels, others that one is a God-manifestation and two are angels, and still others say one is Jesus—the Son of God, the One who comes to us in human form. 

 

Whether or not that part is clear, we DO know that the encounter is from God (v. 1), Abraham recognizes its importance, and Abraham’s extension of hospitality is automatic, generous, and openhearted.  These few verses can inform our ways of seeing, inviting, and offering respite to others.

 

Abraham had to look up and notice the men.  Upon seeing them, he chooses not only to welcome them but rushes to do so (echoes of the Prodigal story where the Father runs to welcome his wayward son home).  Abraham’s welcome includes gestures of great respect—bowing before them, begging them to stay, offering water for foot washing.  He extends shade and food so that the men “can be refreshed.”  “In the heat of the day,” his first thought is not for himself but for these unexpected visitors.

 

Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”  Jesus Himself says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

 

Are you willing to “look up” and “see” someone new that the Lord may have placed in your path?  In that moment, are you willing to “hurry” to greet that person as if he/she is God Himself?

 

In this season of Lent, ask God to show you one individual who needs His hospitality.  Offer water or shade or refreshment—literally or otherwise.  See what the Lord will do with your willingness and your generosity. 

 

Important resources:

 

 

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, DIOS. DONES. TÚ.: Tu llamado y diseño único (Spanish Edition), and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with hundreds of faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and executive leaders in a diversity of fields for four decades. She currently serves as Catalyst for Equipping at her church.

 

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis. 

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