He stood in the doorway with a toothy grin and an evident social awkwardness. My friend, lying in his hospital bed after having endured major surgery, deftly shooed the visitor away with one-word answers and obvious disinterest. Tom (the visitor) was also a patient. His background and behavior were rough and unpolished. A local mission was his most recent address. In time, however, my friend warmed up and showed Tom some hospitality. But it wasn’t until later that it struck him: Tom might have been an angel. It humbled my friend to realize that he had nearly spurned what might have been a gift of comfort from God.
You never know who might show up in your doorway or for dinner. Abraham once saw the Lord and two angels heading toward his tent (Genesis 18:1-3). His immediate response? Sarah, it’s time to whip together your finest feast, for we have some VIPs that deserve a heaping portion of hospitality! (Genesis 18:5-8).
For Abraham, it became increasingly clear that he was entertaining angels (and the Lord). The aged patriarch was surprised to learn from the Lord that he would be a daddy—made possible by God’s divine power (Genesis 18:10,14).
Taking Abraham’s example of being hospitable and compassionate to the next level, Jesus said, “I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home. . . . I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me” (Matthew 25:35-36). Driving it home, He proclaimed, “[What] you did . . . to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!” (Matthew 25:40).
Remember, when you show kindness to that awkward person or give selflessly to those in need, you just might be entertaining angels—perhaps even the Lord Himself!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 12:1-21
More:
In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus tells the host of a dinner (and us) what type of people should be shown hospitality. Note what God will do for those who follow Jesus’ instruction.
Next:
How does it alter your view of others, when you realize that they might be angels? How will you help someone today?
roxanne robbins on August 5, 2011 at 10:15 am
This past weekend, I all but ignored a man who was eager to tell me about some of his personal experiences in Africa. I regret that I didn’t show more interest in his stories. Even when listening to someone who’s long-winded, I hope to do a better job responding to him or her
with respect.
…Good post, Tom!
tom felten on August 5, 2011 at 10:26 am
Thanks for you honesty, Roxanne. We all fail to be patient and compassionate with others at times. Praise God that He’s always patient and compassionate with us!
daisymarygoldr on August 5, 2011 at 4:59 pm
Who are the least of Jesus’ brothers and sisters? The hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, or imprisoned are followers of Christ who do the will of God (Matthew12:49-50). Gracious acts of kindness towards oppressed and persecuted Christians flow naturally from saving faith of a circumcised heart. NB: Abraham had been circumcised just days before the three visitors called on him.
God usually comes in some strange disguise to hide His identity at first. Abraham may not have realized at first who these visitors were. However, when one of them mentioned the promise of a son (Genesis 18:10), he knew exactly who was speaking and recognized the visitor as the Lord God.
Jesus appeared as a stranger to two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus. The disciples did not know it was Jesus but invited and insisted that this stranger spend the night with them. It was not until they broke bread that their eyes were opened and they were able to recognize Jesus.
Want to see or feel the presence of God? Then be a gracious host to that awkward person. When we welcome and extend loving hospitality we will be able to recognize Jesus in the stranger at our door. The key to recognition is to look beyond the outward appearance and listen… And if we are unable to accept believers that don’t look or speak or smell like us, then it brings into question whether or not we have met Jesus.
tom felten on August 5, 2011 at 5:20 pm
daisymarygoldr, excellent insights form Abraham’s account and Jesus’ journey down the Emmaus road. Yes, we have to be so careful in how we treat others—even that awkward person. For all people are made in God’s image—no matter what they sound like or smell like.