Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2
When was the last time you had strangers into your house to eat a good meal with you, or even to spend the night under your roof? For some of us, it’s been awhile, especially during these upsetting pandemic days and months. True, we need to be cautious these days, with so many evil people seeking to gain access to our belongings. But we also need to heed the word that reminds us of our need to be hospitable. There is a wonderful opportunity for those who open their hearts and homes to strangers, the possibility of entertaining angels!
Are these angels actually heavenly beings? Possibly, although I doubt it. For one thing, angels are to minister to us, not us to them. Secondly, the word for angels is more accurately translated messenger. While angels are indeed messengers, so can anyone else be who has something to pass on to us in terms of guidance, advice, information, direction, correction, encouragement, example, and blessing. There is so much we could receive from a messenger with something from God for us.
Abraham and Lot both had the privilege of entertaining angels. Each received something radically different from the other, something that each needed or desired. Both men went to great lengths to be hospitable. Imagine being a servant of Abraham’s that day, as the angels – possibly the Lord Himself – arrived and were invited to supper! Abraham went all out to supply these strangers with the very best that he and Sarah could put on the table, because he had the spiritual discernment to understand that these were divine messengers. We can’t guarantee that today of ourselves. But there are strangers to be hospitable to, and we just never know what blessing might come our way. Hospitality might be an avenue to get a sinner – or a family of sinners – out to a Gospel meeting. Hospitality might pave the way to wonderful friendships. Hospitality might be a route to some valuable information or contacts that will serve us well. Best of all, hospitality gives us a way to be more like the Lord Jesus.
You can go to a trinket store and buy plastic or tinsel angels to hang up somewhere and collect dust. Or you can invite strangers in and obtain an eternal reward! -Jim MacIntosh