How can we apply the hospitality shown in Exodus 2:20 today? The Scene in Midian “‘Then where is he? Why did you leave the man behind? Invite him to eat with us.’” (Exodus 2:20) • Moses had just defended Reuel’s daughters at the well. • Reuel immediately moved from gratitude to action, making room at the family table for a weary traveler. • The invitation was prompt, personal, and generous—no delay, no hesitancy. Key Principles of Hospitality • Swift response to a need – Reuel did not wait for Moses to ask. • Personal involvement – “Invite him” shows direct engagement, not outsourcing care. • Provision of refreshment – A shared meal offers safety, rest, and dignity. • Openness to strangers – Moses was unknown, yet welcomed. Scriptural Echoes • “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2) • “Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13) • “I was a stranger and you took Me in.” (Matthew 25:35) • Abraham’s feast for three visitors (Genesis 18:1-8) reinforces the pattern of immediate, sacrificial welcome. Practical Applications Today • Keep margin in the schedule – Leave space for unplanned invitations after church, work, or school. • Cultivate a ready table – Stock simple, easy-to-prepare foods: soup ingredients, frozen bread, extra coffee. • Invite before you analyze – Offer a seat and a plate first; details can follow. • Involve the whole household – Children can set the table, teens can greet at the door, everyone participates. • Extend beyond the home – Bring meals to hospital rooms, dorms, shelters, or those working late. • Offer spiritual nourishment – Alongside food, share Scripture, encouragement, and a listening ear. • Make hospitality a habit, not an event – Regularly schedule open-house evenings or Sunday lunches. Results to Expect • Strangers become friends, friends become family in Christ. • Homes reflect the gospel’s welcome, modeling the Father’s heart. • Communities notice a living faith expressed through tangible care. Closing Encouragement Reuel’s simple invitation turned a solitary wanderer into a son-in-law, a shepherd, and a future deliverer of Israel. Welcoming others today similarly plants seeds whose fruit only God can measure. |
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