In what ways can we show hospitality like Joseph in Acts 7:14? Setting the Scene “Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all.” (Acts 7:14) Joseph literally gathered his extended family into Egypt during a deadly famine. He provided land, food, and security—practical, sacrificial hospitality rooted in faith and obedience. What Joseph’s Hospitality Looked Like • Initiative – he “sent for” his family; he didn’t wait for them to ask (Genesis 45:17-18). • Generosity – he secured “the best part of the land” (Genesis 47:11-12). • Provision in crisis – he fed them “according to the number of their children.” • Welcome that restored relationships – after years of betrayal, he embraced his brothers (Genesis 45:14-15). • Long-term commitment – hospitality lasted the remainder of the famine and beyond. Why This Matters Today • Scripture commends hospitality as a tangible mark of genuine faith (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9). • God’s covenant people have always been called to care for others (Isaiah 58:7; Matthew 25:35). • Joseph’s example is historical proof that God works through ordinary acts of welcome to accomplish His redemptive purposes. Practical Ways to Show Joseph-Style Hospitality Today • Send the invitation first—text, call, or knock. Don’t wait to be asked. • Set a place at the table every week for someone outside your household. • Keep a “famine fund”: money or groceries reserved for believers in crisis. • Offer temporary housing to missionaries, students, widows, or displaced families. • Share transportation—use your car to get people to church, appointments, or the grocery store. • Open your network: help newcomers find jobs, schools, doctors, community resources. • Plan around large families—provide kid-friendly meals, cribs, or play space. • Follow up—hospitality continues after the meal with texts, visits, and practical help. • Honor the estranged—bridge conflicts with forgiveness, just as Joseph did. • Make it habitual—build hospitality into your budget, calendar, and home layout. Overcoming Common Barriers • Limited space? Use parks, church buildings, or shared meals after services (Acts 2:46). • Tight budget? Share simple food; hospitality is about presence more than presentation. • Busy schedule? Combine hospitality with routine—invite someone to join your normal dinner or errands. • Fear of inconvenience? Remember Joseph’s upfront costs secured Israel’s survival; the eternal payoff outweighs temporary discomfort. Encouraging Promises for the Hospitable Heart • “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17) • “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2) • “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38) Living Joseph-style hospitality invites God’s blessing, meets urgent needs, and puts the gospel on display in everyday life. |
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