What role does hospitality play in Exodus 18:5, and how can we emulate it? Scripture Focus “Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, together with Moses’ sons and wife, came to Moses in the wilderness where he was camped at the mountain of God.” – Exodus 18:5 What We Notice in the Verse • Jethro takes the initiative to travel into the harsh wilderness. • He brings Moses’ family, reuniting them. • The visit happens “at the mountain of God,” placing hospitality in a setting of worship. • The stage is set for mutual welcome: Jethro’s approach, Moses’ warm reception (vv. 7–8), and the shared meal and sacrifice (v. 12). Hospitality in the Ancient Setting • Desert life demanded generosity; travelers depended on open tents and shared resources. • Family honor required active care for relatives. • Spiritual hospitality knit community life to worship, blending meals with sacrifice (Exodus 18:12; cf. Leviticus 7:11-15). Key Hospitality Moments in Exodus 18 1. Initiative – Jethro undertakes a difficult journey (v. 5). 2. Respectful greeting – Moses bows, kisses, and escorts Jethro into the tent (v. 7). 3. Listening – Moses recounts God’s works; Jethro rejoices and blesses the LORD (vv. 8-10). 4. Table fellowship – A sacrifice and meal unite priest, prophet, and elders before God (v. 12). 5. Wise counsel – Jethro’s advice lightens Moses’ burden (vv. 17-24). Spiritual Lessons for Us • Hospitality starts with moving toward people, not waiting for them to come. • Welcoming others honors God when done “at the mountain of God”––with worship at the center. • Hospitality creates space for testimony: sharing how the Lord has acted (v. 8). • It opens the door to mutual blessing; both host and guest contribute (v. 10, v. 19). • Genuine welcome often paves the way for wise, loving counsel. Practicing Hospitality Today • Go out of your way to reconnect families or unite believers who are scattered. • Greet guests warmly—face-to-face, eye-to-eye—before they reach your front door (cf. Luke 15:20). • Offer both physical refreshment and spiritual encouragement: meals, rest, prayer, Scripture. • Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness; celebrate His work together (Malachi 3:16). • Be ready to listen and, when asked, speak wise counsel drawn from God’s Word. • Keep hospitality ongoing, not occasional: “Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13); “Be hospitable to one another without complaining” (1 Peter 4:9). • Welcome strangers, trusting God’s hidden purposes: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). Hospitality in Exodus 18:5 is more than a courtesy; it is a God-honoring, relationship-building practice we are called to replicate—purposefully, generously, and joyfully. |
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