Listening is Hospitality

If you are like me, there have been times when something is bothering you … really bothering you.

  It could be something that happened at work, or a misunderstanding with your spouse. Perhaps it had something to do with politics, or the recklessness of a driver in another car. Maybe, heaven forbid, it was something that happened at church.

Sometimes you have to take action to rectify the situation. Other times you merely need to vent. A reassuring ear can do wonders to get something off of your chest.

 Today’s reading is Matthew 22:34-40. Jesus is talking to the Sadducees (a Jewish sect that had merged many Greek ideas into their culture). He tells them to “Love the Lord your God with all your soul and all your mind” and to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

 Loving your neighbor is not always easy. Let’s face it, we can’t always be pleasant. There are days when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Other days we are sure our neighbor woke up on the wrong side.

 Yet, we are to love them.

 Being hospitable to someone is a sign of Christian love. A smile and some kind words, the very basics, are a great start. But there are times when that is not enough.

 Your neighbor might have something that is bugging them.

 They are in no position to respond, or appreciate your hospitality. They have something else that needs to be dealt with.

 What do you do? If you are like me, you might want to walk away. But that wouldn’t show much love. Rather, you listen. Listen to what is bugging them. Let them get whatever it is off their chest. Maybe even give their emotion a name.

They will know you care, maybe even love them.

 Your hospitality and your love will be understood and appreciated.

Hospitality as Noticing

Matthew 25:21-40

“In my own little world it hardly ever rains. I’ve never gone hungry, always felt safe. I got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet. In my own little world, population…Me.”

If I don’t look around too much and take care of my own responsibilities, I’m safe and content.

“I try to stay awake through the Sunday morning church. I throw a $20 in the plate but I never give ‘til it hurts. And I turn off the news when I don’t like what I see. It’s easy to do when it’s population…. Me.”

When I follow through with my obligations and shelter myself from tragedy I’m comfortable.

Singer and song writer Matthew West’s words hit home don’t they!? Even after hearing the lyrics to this song, we continue to protect ourselves and our families from the evils and tragedies of this world. If we don’t notice, maybe they won’t affect us. If we look the other way perhaps it will stop. Well, it won’t!

The primary theme in the book of Matthew is THE KINGDOM OF GOD. In this section, Matthew tells of the day the Son of Man comes in Glory with all the angels, and separates the people as shepherds separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep on His right will inherit the kingdom prepared for them for they fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed those in need, invited in strangers, looked after the sick and visited the lonely and imprisoned.

NIV Matthew 25:40; The king will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The parable of the talents is also included in today’s reading reminding us that we are entrusted by God with “talents” to use for the good of the Kingdom. For some, earning a good living and using funds to assist others is their gift. For others it may be management of projects and outreach. For still others it’s using their hands and feet to make a difference. Whatever it is for you and me, we must first look around an NOTICE the need.

Try to recall the feeling of being ignored. Perhaps as a child your thoughts or opinions were not considered. Often in a new environment or job we feel out of place when no one seems to notice us or make us feel comfortable. Now attempt to picture yourself among the thousands of individuals fleeing from your unsafe country. You are just part of the hungry, thirsty, frightened crowd that few acknowledge. Maybe they just don’t notice.

Matthew 25 ends with verse 45-46, a statement from the Lord; “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

What do you notice?

Read/Listen to Matthew 25:21-40

Watch/Listen to “My Own Little World” by Matthew West

Strangers in a Foreign Land

Hebrews 13:1-3

Moses escaped Pharaoh and fled to Midian. While in exile he married and started his family. He named his first born Gershom (meaning “foreigner”), for Moses said, “I am a stranger in a foreign land.” Have you ever felt that way?

The Bible is filled with stories about people who felt like a stranger. God called Abram to go to a country he had never set foot in. The Israelites were nomads, a nation without land. After being enslaved in Egypt, they were later taken into exile. Even in Jesus’ day, the Jews were subjected to Roman rule.

The writer of Hebrews tells us to show hospitality to strangers. No doubt, part of the reason for that is that it is way of living out our faith; of loving others. However, I believe there is a deeper meaning.

As previously mentioned, the Israelites were aliens in a foreign land. Like the Israelites, we are aliens too. We are living temporarily on this planet. Paul put it like this in his letter to the Philippians, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…”

Do you cross paths with people who may feel like a stranger? Are there visitors to your church who need a warm greeting? Do you know a single person who would enjoy a home cooked meal? Is there a coworker who could use an encouraging word? Are there opportunities to serve the homeless or those in prison? Hospitality simply means making others feel at home wherever you are.

However, Jesus expanded this definition of hospitality. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in… Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

From the very beginning, God’s people have been strangers in a foreign land. We are

not home yet either, and won’t be until we get to Heaven. But until that day, show hospitality to others, not only because the Bible instructs us to, but also because we are visitors on this earth, and it is a way of showing our love for Jesus.

I'm so glad you are here!

Leviticus 19:32-37 (MSG)

  "Show respect to the aged; honor the presence of an elder; fear your God. I am GOD. 

  "When a foreigner lives with you in your land, don't take advantage of him. 
  Treat the foreigner the same as a native. Love him like one of your own. Remember that you were once foreigners in Egypt. I am GOD, your God. 
  "Don't cheat when measuring length, weight, or quantity. 
  Use honest scales and weights and measures. I am GOD, your God. I brought you out of Egypt. 
  "Keep all my decrees and all my laws. Yes, do them. I am GOD."

Would you say that hospitality is common courtesy?  Is a fair way to describe extending hospitality, as treating others the way we want to be treated? Think about it. Have you ever visited someplace and felt like an intruder? Have you ever wanted to be accepted at a function, but left with a feeling of rejection?

If a stranger knocks on the door, do we invite him inside? Probably not right away. But, when someone has been invited and is expected, the greeting is warm and friendly. There is an expectation that someone cares. Does the same apply to our hospitality at church? 

Scripture encourages us to treat foreigners the same as a native. Do you remember the first day you walked through the doors of your church? Were you a little intimidated by the new surroundings? Did you think twice before pulling into the parking lot? Remember that you were once foreigners...

Hospitality has kingdom consequences. It matters how we greet someone whether at the front door of your church, in the parking lot or classroom. When l can tell you are glad I came, I might return. 

We hear it said, 'feelings aren't facts'. But, where visitors or guests are concerned, feelings or perceptions are all they have to go on. When Jesus sent his disciples out two-by-two he told them to look for people who would welcome them.  If they didn't feel a welcoming peace, He instructed them to turn around and leave. 

Guests who walk through the doors of a church on any given Sunday are looking for that same welcome, or they too, will turn right around and leave. Kingdom consequences...

  

Leviticus 19:32-37

Genesis 24:10-27

Hospitality as a Sign

Abraham’s wife Sarah had been buried. Abraham was older than dirt. (I mean well advanced in years.) Isaac was becoming an adult. He needed a good wife.

In those days, dating, living together for a while, having a child and then perhaps getting married didn’t happen. Isaac’s father Abraham enlisted his chief servant to find a wife for Isaac. Abraham had him make a solemn promise though, that he would not get Isaac a wife from the Canaanites they were living among, but from Abraham’s own country. He wanted to be sure that Isaac’s future wife came from the same spiritual foundation as his family. Abraham was aware of the importance of both the husband and wife having a heart for the Lord in order to work together to build a marriage relationship on the solid ground of God and the teachings of the Bible.

Have you ever prayed to God with words something like this; Father, please help me to know your will. I pray for your guidance and direction. Lord please clearly reveal to me my path that I may without a doubt know the message is from you.

That is in a way the prayer of the chief servant of Abraham. Upon arriving to the town of Nahor, the servant prayed; “Oh Lord, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a girl, “Please let down your jar that I may have a drink, and she says, “Drink and I’ll water your camels too” – let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”

Hospitality accompanied by sincerity is very welcoming. That is exactly what the girl offered the servant. She was the type of person Abraham asked the servant  to bring to him. In this case, the warm and welcoming spirit she exuded made the choice clear. She was just what the servant was looking for!

As Christ followers and lovers of the Word, we too must hold out our hands in welcoming hospitality to others. All others. The feelings or vibes we give off, may make a difference in the life path of another. Our outreach may be just what they needed.  

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou

Read/Listen to Genesis 24:10-27

Ready to Entertain an Angel?

Genesis 23:10-12 (MSG)
  Ephron was part of the local Hittite community. Then Ephron the Hittite spoke up, answering Abraham with all the Hittites who were part of the town council listening:
  "Oh no, my master! I couldn't do that. The field is yours—a gift. I'll give it and the cave to you. With my people as witnesses, I give it to you. Bury your deceased wife."
  Abraham bowed respectfully before the assembled council

When reading the interchange between Ephron and Abraham, one would think the grieving man was not thinking straight. Ephron offered to freely give him the land, but Abraham insisted on paying a fair price. But this was a custom in that time. Each man knew how this transaction would end. Each man was honoring the other.

Hospitality isn't merely the nice thing to practice. No, there is an entire Hospitality Industry in our world. When was the last time you stayed in a motel? How were you welcomed? What did you find when you entered your room? Did you find any indication that you were not only wanted but expected? Was there a mint on your pillow, or maybe even a complimentary coupon for breakfast?

Part of extending hospitality to another is to show respect. A stranger may seem strange, but that is only because they are not familiar to us - yet. Once we take the time to get to know them we are able to embrace our similarities and appreciate the differences. Sometimes, it is those very differences which make the person endearing.

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) 

Hospitality is defined as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. Hospitality is not only making a stranger feel welcome, it begins by noticing them. We all want to be acknowledged. It is important we feel welcome and accepted when entering a new environment.  Everyone was once a stranger until we got to know them - even our best friend.

Genesis 23:10-12

Jump for Joy - 1 Corinthians 9:15-27

Is there something you love to do?  Something you cannot imagine living the rest of your life not doing?  I know someone who is so friendly, loves to spend time with people, enjoys cooking for them and sharing a meal and conversation sprinkled with laughter.  This woman would be lost if she couldn't do these things and enjoy them often.  She is blessed with the gift of hospitality.

A neighbor of mine loves to help the people on his street.  You can often find him with a hammer in hand and tool belt around his waist walking down the street to a neighbor's.  He finds so much joy out of helping others do things around their house.  This man has been given a gift of helps.

Now today in our scripture read about Paul's passion, his love and greatest desire.  For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16).  Paul's gift, or one of them, is preaching the Gospel.  Like the woman who needs to open her doors to others and the man who needs to be helping his neighbors, Paul must preach.

What about you?  What special gift has God bestowed upon you?  What is it you can't wait to get up in the morning to work on or to do?  What makes your heart jump for joy?  Won't you share your passion with us this morning.  We would love to hear about it.

Read the text for today at Biblegateway and 1 Corinthians 9:15-27