Entertaining Strangers

Hebrews 13:1,2 says, “Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” “What in the world?” some might say. I think this is a reference to some of the historic moments of hospitality in Israel’s past, and for us to emulate that open-hearted and free generosity. Abraham enthusiastically showed hospitality to three strangers, realizing later that these men were supernatural, and one of them the Angel of the Lord, called a theophany or a Christophany. Israel was to treat strangers with a special diligence. “You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 22:21). “You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Ex. 23:9). “The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord you God” (Lev 19:34). And that last phrase is important, it’s not a tag on, “I am the Lord your God.” The covenant keeping God has delivered you from slavery, therefore extend that covenant--lovingkindness to those in slavery and who are strangers to us. Entertaining strangers was a necessity in some aspects of near eastern culture, esp. for fellow believers. Many of these strangers in Scripture are actually believers unknown to us—Matt 25: 40 “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” It was an issue of safety and protection sometimes. Lot took care immediately of the strangers in Sodom, probably not knowing they were angels until later. The word angel means messenger, and it often describes those under that category. Rahab protected the “angels” of Israel, the spies, and the widow at Zarephath hosted Elijah.

Wisdom is needed here. Even strangers in Israel had to abide by the laws of the land. In our day and time many who are on the streets are actually criminals, so I don’t think we should feel that whoever shows up on our door step we should invite in. Jana and I have had to face this with folks who come around here. Sometimes guys come around and just want to work.. I think sometimes we can provide some, but it takes wisdom. Pray for us and the deacons as we strive to be Christ to these folks. Many, many times people don’t need cash (though they say they do) they need counsel and some direction. But, pray also and consider serving by starting a food closet here in the bldg.