Human Response 42: Hospitality

Genesis 18:3-8 “Pass not away from thy servant…water…wash…rest…bread and comfort…fine meal, knead it, and make cakes…a calf and dressed it…and he took butter, and milk, and the calf, and set it before them.

Upon the appearance of The Triune God at Abraham’s home, he and Sarah and his servants set about with a scurry of activity to be hospitable and make them feel welcome. Hospitality was the usual nomadic custom in Eastern culture when guests showed up at one’s tent, but Abraham knew this was God and so he went to great lengths to make Him feel comfortable and welcome.

Abraham responded to the Lord’s coming with a welcome reception, even before God gave him “Good News of great joy.” He was just glad to see Him come to him. So it is with us when the Lord shows up with the Gospel. We respond to The Presence that comes to bring a wonderful message with receiving and welcoming hearts. We pray Luther’s hymn: ”Ah, dearest Jesus, heav’nly child, make thee a bed, soft. undefiled, Within my heart that it may be, a quiet chamber kept for thee.” When we hear the Gospel we respond with a hospitable welcome, making a home in our heart for the living God.

Our purpose is to make a comfortable dwelling for the Lord to “be with us.” We invite Jesus in and ask Him to ”pass not away” every time we hear and believe. The Spirit comes to live and to remain in us, though He can be ”grieved.” Sin grieves the Lord and makes un uncomfortable place for Him to be, but we live in constant and instant repentance and forgiveness. Faith is hospitality. Being hospitable is believing in Jesus.