practise hospitality (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2; Gen 18:1-13
A mother invited her friends to dinner. At the table she asks her 5 year old daughter to say the blessing. The daughter says, “I don’t know what to sayâ€. And mum replies promptly, “Say what you hear mum sayâ€. So the daughter prayed, “Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?†Playing hosts has its embarassing moments but even then the teaching of God’s Word is clear: practise hospitality!
Read Hebrews 13:2 :“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it†and Genesis 18: 1-8.
Its so obvious the writer of Hebrews is referring to this strange incident of Abraham showing hospitality to three strangers who were passing by. Abraham was at his tent under the tree, resting from the heat of the day, when he saw the strangers, and is customary in those days, requested them to stay and refresh themselves. The way Abraham asked was so humble, sincere and warm it made them feel welcome, wanted and comfortable about receiving hospitality. And this is what the church needs today, to learn that hospitality is not having a big house, but having a big heart. It is about having a heart so big there is room for people we do not know. Room for our guests to feel welcome and loved. A heart that is humble and doesn’t despise anyone, a heart that is warm and really tells you “I want you to stayâ€. Our church needs to follow in the footsteps of Abraham. Let there be no barrier of race, status, handicap, wealth, education or dressing. Everyone is accepted and welcome. The maids who are here should be treated the same way we treat others. The deaf brothers and sisters in our midst need to feel we want them. The scholar and the guy who only has PSLE passes should be able to fellowship. I know circles of friendships are inevitable but these circles can practise hospitality and be inviting and welcoming and accepting of others outside the circle. You don’t need a nice house and be a good cook to be hospitable. When you are at work and a new colleague is introduced be like Abraham and make him feel welcome. You don’t need a home to do that, just a loving heart. Or just think of how hospitality would help in a first date. Who is more nervous on a first date: the man or the woman? A person who has this character quality will put the other party at ease and make it a more enjoyable date.
It is all so natural, I doubt Abraham noticed anything strange: these are just tired travellers. Abraham was sensitive and responsive to their needs for comfort, rest, and some food and drink. Let me get some water for you guys to wash your feet. Come rest under the tree, in the cool. And please let me arrange for some refreshments for you. And Abraham prepared an extraordinary amount of food: 22 liters of flour makes a lot of pita bread, and he chose a choice tender lamb. There is more than enough food for the guests. Perhaps some is for them to take with them as rations for the journey. Such generosity.
When people come to the church gathering, they could be feeling guilt and shame and are looking for forgiveness or cleansing. They want to let go of that invisible burden. Somtimes they are looking for rest and peace. They have left their problems at work or school or home, but lo and behold, why are they still anxious and laden with cares. They want rest and they find that peace in the church gathered to worship the Lord. Some are hungry and thirsty for spirtual food and drink. They want to taste the goodness of the Lord, the plenty of his table. And the Lord is generous with his spread.
You know how difficult it is for a lapsed Christian, a prodigal to come back. They feel shame, guilt, failure and fear. Yes fear that someone will ask like, “Where have you been all this while man….you backsliding or what…….you came back because of trouble is it?†Why do Christians shoot their wounded? Why not just say, “Its so nice to see you again.â€Give him a pat, an especially warm hand shake, a good look in the eyes, a hug. Remember the waiting father in Jesus’ parable. “He saw….he felt compassion….he ran….he embraced, and kissed him.. †Instead of stabbing the prodigals who return lets kiss them. So hospitality includes being sensitive and responsive to the needs of others. And the greatest universal need is the need to be loved.
I like the way Abraham did not delegate everything. There was the personal touch. He told Sarah to prepare the roti prata. He personally selected the calf but asked to servant to prepare it so he could entertain the guests himself. “…..he hurried….he ran…he set these before them….he stood near them.â€(verse 6-8) . He was eager to serve them and he had a high touch to his service. Wealthy big shot that he was he could have just barked orders and delegated everything but no that was not good enough for these tired guests.
We all tend toward self-centredness. Just as gravity pulls everything towards the center of the earth and a space shuttle would require thousands of litres of rocket fuel to propel it away from the pull towards the center of the earth, so we need faith and the power of the Holy Spirit to propel us from our natural tendency to self-centredness and become more involved in the needs of others, especially people we do not know. There is usually room inmost hearts for our loved ones and significant others. The Christ-centered community have room for strangers too. Christ helps us move from being selfish to being hospitable.
This is not the end for now we see the strange and amazing take place. Read verses 9-13. These strangers who were so human suddenly talk different. They talk as though inhuman….divine….like God speaking. †I will come again next year and Sarah will be expecting…†Did Abraham suddenly realize these were no ordinary men but angels as the writer of Hebrews says? Now they were angels in man’s guise but representing God Himself and speaking and acting on His behalf. Just like the burning bush experience that Moses had in Exodus 3.2 where it says “the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush†but tells Moses his name is “I AM WHO I AMâ€. So the three for good reason is often thought of as the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Now I like that thought. God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit turn the table on Abraham, so to
speak, and the God of hospitality, now served Abraham, and sensitive to his need for an heir, granted the desires of his heart, and blessed Abraham with a son. I like to think that when a disciple is served a cup of water it will not go unrewarded, so likewise, there is a blessing for those who are hospitable to others. Abraham received a blessing no human could reward him with. May God reward everyone who is hospitable, in the spirit of Abraham, with blessings no human can give.
Now some of you are seeking God and have not made up your minds about Jesus. Now think about this: God Himself, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is here today, sitting at three sides of the table, and He has laid out His table of blessings of forgiveness, peace and purpose for living a meaningful life. And He is inviting you to sit at the last side of the table. He wants to bless you. He knows your needs and He wants to meet those needs. He is saying, Come, rest, eat and drink. Put your trust in Me and I will give you peace. If you want to take the first step of following Jesus, I want you to say in your mind, this prayer I am going to pray now.
I also want to challenge everyone to allow into their lives more people they do not know, and who do not know the Lord . Build relationships with these people and practise hospitality and some will in the end come to a knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord and the Lord’s name will be glorified.
Note to Preachers: Try to keep the statement of the principles till as late as you can as you stick to the natural narrative structure of the text. An inductive pattern keeps a bit of tension in the sermon and holds people’s attention longer. The climax of the sermon is a twist at the end : the triune God showing gracious hospitality to Abraham. Be sure to have silent pauses to let the Spirit bring illumination at the climax.
Add comment October 20th, 2007
