Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.
The world has become so evil that many of us are afraid of strangers. We teach our kids not to talk to strangers. We don’t know who they are and what their motives are and besides we have heard many stories of people being conned or robbed or taken advantage of by strangers so if I don’t know you I will mind my business and hope that you mind yours too.
The writer of Hebrews tell us not to forget to extend hospitality to strangers because you never know who they are, they might be angels in disguise and in not extending hospitality to them, you may miss out on the blessing they carry.
Genesis 18:2-5
2 When he raised his eyes and looked up, behold, three men were standing [a little distance] from him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed down [with his face] to the ground, 3 and Abraham said, “My [a]lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass by your servant [without stopping to visit]. 4 Please let a little water be brought [by one of my servants] and [you may] wash your feet, and recline and rest comfortably under the tree. 5 And I will bring a piece of bread to refresh and sustain [b]you; after that you may go on, since you have come to your servant.” And they replied, “Do as you have said.”
What if Abraham was a snob? What if he decided to mind his own business and ignore these three men? The bible says the 3 men were standing a little distance from him. They did not go to Abraham but rather Abraham saw then and run to them to extend hospitality. These were men who probably looked tired and because of their dusty feet, Abraham gathered that they must have been walking for some distance in the heat of the day and he saw an opportunity to be a blessing to them by becoming their pit stop. He provided a place for them to rest, be refreshed, have their feet washed and their bodies fed. He did not have to do it but he did it, he entertained strangers but little did he know that they were angels.
From his hospitality Abraham and Sarah got a more specific timeline for the miracle they had been waiting for over 20 years. By this time next year……. They also were brought into the picture of what God intended to do regarding Sodom and Gomorah.
Yes we live in a wicked world and there are many who are out to take advantage of you but with the Holy Spirit as our guide we will know and discern the kind of strangers He leads us to entertain. The question is, will you do it when He leads you?
