Readings for today: Genesis 17-19
One of the things I’ve learned from my cross-cultural friendships is the value of hospitality. When I visited South Korea, the family had a space dedicated just for me with everything I could possibly need. They even had fresh cut flowers in a vase next to the bed. In Ethiopia, families prepare special coffee ceremonies where they dress up in traditional dress, roast coffee, prepare special dishes, and offer gifts to their guests. In Uganda, our hosts take our measurements and have traditional clothing handmade for us. In South Sudan, though the people have so little, they take time to honor us publicly for all we have done. The same value of hospitality translates to the immigrant communities I interact with near my own home in the United States. I have been invited into countless Indian homes for special dinners and times of blessing by the hosts. I have been asked to preach and showered with gifts by my friends in the Latino community. My African diaspora friends often ask me out for meals or give me special gifts as a way of honoring our friendship. I am humbled by these relationships and all I have learned from them over the years.
Perhaps that’s why I love reading the story of Abraham hosting the three men who show up out of nowhere in his camp one day. Without missing a beat, he runs to them and bows before them. He makes sure to get them water to wash their feet and seat them in the shade so they can rest. He prepares a meal for them, one that sounds very similar to meals I’ve actually eaten many times overseas when I’ve gone on a visit to a village church. The Bible doesn’t tell us when but at some point in time during the meal, Abraham comes to understand these are no ordinary men. He is actually hosting the Lord and two of His angels. It reminds me of that great verse out of Hebrews 13:2 where the author writes, “Do not neglect hospitality, because through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 NET)
As an American, I find myself deeply convicted by the sacrificial hospitality of people from other cultures. As often as I entertain - and as a pastor I imagine I entertain more than most - the reality is I don’t often open my home. I don’t always take the time to get to know my neighbors. I don’t always go out of my way to bless others with special gifts or seek to treat others with the honor they deserve as human beings made in the image of God. Imagine the difference it would make if Christians would dedicate just one or two nights a month to invite someone over and get to know them. Prepare a special meal for them and bless them. Honor them as people beloved by God. Honestly, it might be the easiest and best way to ratchet down the tensions we’re experiencing as a country right now and who knows…we may even find God showing up!
Readings for tomorrow: Genesis 20-23