S) "1 Let love of the brethren continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it."
Hebrews 13:1-2 (NASB)
O) These are some closing thoughts from the writer. Admonishing and encouraging, he sort of jumps from topic to topic, briefly touching on each. Starting with love makes sense, because everything we are doing should be rooted in love. Considering his audience, again he knew that these Hebrew Christians needed to remain connected to their brethren, because many of them would have lost their family ties, and they needed the support and community of their Christian brothers and sisters. But, this love turns outward in service, as the writer reminds us that our neighbors are anyone around us. It is worth noting that the word "angel" in Greek, simply means "messenger," and doesn't necessarily refer to a heavenly angel. It is possible that the writer meant a heavenly angel. That would be neat, I suppose, to consider that we might be sent a supernatural test of our generosity and kindness, that a heavenly angel may cross our paths in order that we might prove our willing love. But, that doesn't strike me as any more motivating than simply helping the poor, which Jesus Himself said would always be with us. Given the context, that entertaining one of these angels should be a motivation, it seems to me to make the most sense that he meant an earthly angel, an earthly messenger. Christianity was under heavy persecution, and among Jews there would have been plenty of reason for a messenger from a church or another city, to not necessarily make himself publicly known. However, to hospitably entertain such a stranger, to serve, feed, shelter, or help him along, would be a great help given the circumstances of both him, and the church as a whole, especially at that time.
A) Whichever is the case, showing hospitality takes effort for me. I'm not unkind, but I have a tendency to be more than a little antisocial. Loving my Christian brothers and sisters (wen I know they're believers), tends to be easier to me. The idea of literally inviting a stranger into my home, in my present culture, is a little bit terrifying to me. Still, that's probably why the command to love the brethren was so short, and the command to love strangers, and how and why, was a longer command. I don't think I have to invite strangers to sleepovers at my house in order to be hospitable, but I need to take time to care. I don't want to just give a sandwich to a stranger, or a dollar because of a sign. I want to stop, get out of my car. I want to talk to them, learn who they are, and pray for them. Also, not all strangers are poor, homeless, vagabonds. I can certainly be hospitable and generous to others, and even invite them over for dinner, before learning they are brethren. and maybe gaining a long time friend. Or, who knows, maybe I entertain a heavenly angel and never know it.
P) Father, at the root of all this is love. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me first, that I even understand what it means to love others. Lead me by the Holy Spirit within me, to be bold with my love. Help me to step out with hospitality, with patience, with love. If I help the gospel and the church advance, then all the better for Your glory. If I gain a friend, then I am grateful. If I never see them again and it turns out they are a heavenly angel, well then I pray that I pass the test ad bring You joy, Father God. I just want to honor You, by calling myself Yours, and loving others well. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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