In what ways can we practice hospitality in our modern communities? A Surprising Host in a Dark Story “That evening an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, who was residing in Gibeah—the people of the place were Benjamites—came in from his work in the field.” (Judges 19:16) • In a chapter marked by moral collapse, one man stands out for simply offering a night’s shelter. • His hospitality becomes a flicker of light amid the surrounding darkness, proving that God’s standards remain even when culture deteriorates. What Hospitality Looked Like Then • Immediate invitation: He welcomed strangers without delay (19:20). • Provision of necessities: Feed for animals, water for feet, a place to rest. • Protection: He treated the travelers’ safety as his own responsibility (19:23). Scripture never criticizes these acts; it highlights them as the bare minimum of covenant faithfulness (Leviticus 19:34). Timeless Principles for Today 1. Welcome the outsider – Hebrews 13:2 reminds, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it.” 2. Provide real care – Romans 12:13 commands us to “pursue hospitality.” This isn’t passive; it’s proactive. 3. Offer protection – Isaiah 58:7 speaks of bringing the homeless poor into our homes; safety is part of the package. Practical Ways to Open Our Doors • Family meals: Set an extra place for neighbors, international students, single parents, or widows (1 Timothy 5:10). • Spare rooms: Short-term lodging for missionaries, interns, or those displaced by crisis (3 John 8). • Shared resources: Tools, vehicles, babysitting—modern equivalents of “feed for their donkeys.” • Sunday rhythm: Invite visitors from church to lunch; a simple soup communicates belonging. Hospitality Beyond the Living Room • Workplace: Keep your office or lunch table open to new hires or isolated coworkers. • Digital spaces: Use group chats and social media to include, not exclude—share Scripture, prayer needs, community news. • Community service: Volunteer at shelters, foster-care support groups, crisis-pregnancy centers—extending the protective element seen in Judges 19. Guardrails and Wisdom • Safety matters: The old man locked his door (19:22–23). Modern application may include background checks for guests in youth programs or partnering with reputable agencies. • Shared effort: Lydia’s household served together (Acts 16:15). Enlist family or church members so hospitality refreshes rather than depletes. • Stewardship: 1 Peter 4:9 urges, “Show hospitality to one another without complaining.” Budget time and resources intentionally. The Blessings That Follow • Fellowship: Houses become micro-churches where believers “break bread from house to house” (Acts 2:46). • Evangelism: Zacchaeus encountered Christ over a meal (Luke 19:5–9). • Eternal reward: Jesus links hospitality to welcoming Him personally (Matthew 25:35). Even one household, like the old man in Gibeah, can shine. That same Spirit-energized hospitality still pierces the darkness of modern communities today. |
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