Saturday, November 12, 2011
HOSPITALITY
Memorise: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Heb 13:2).
Read: Hebrews 13:1-2
Another lesson from the story in 1 Kings 17:17-24 is that God rewards the hospitable. The woman who lost her son was a hospitable person. One benefit of hospitality is that hospitable people may not suffer a permanent loss. An example here was Abraham. In Genesis 18:1-14, Abraham received heavenly visitors and pending promises of many years were fulfilled. Another example was Lot. In Genesis 19:1-22, when he received the angels who came in the form of men, he made them a feast. Through his hospitality, he delivered himself and his immediate family from the fire that fell from Heaven on Sodom. Similarly, Cornelius was hospitable and through this, he and his family were saved.
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Heb 13:2). God wants His children to be hospitable. The hospitable have a way of attracting divine visitors such as God, angels or even men of God that can command God's blessings on them. Hospitable people are generous. They do not have to necessarily have all the money in the world. The little they have is presented with love and with all their heart. They strive to make their guests comfortable. They are prepared to sacrifice for the maximum comfort of their guests. The way they receive the guests will make them want to come back. They would prepare the best meals and present it in a most attractive and healthy way. Where they can, they would do everything to spoil their guests. They would make sure the visitor's room is swept, cleaned and dusted. The bed is well dressed and inviting. They will wait on their guests through out their stay. Where they cannot drive them to, they would arrange the cab that would convey them there. Hospitable people are homely and humble. How hospitable are you? Some people do everything just to scare visitors from coming to pay them visits. Are you hospitable? Hospitality should be taught to all your children. It is one of the healthy family values that Christian families must imbibe. How do you receive your pastors and ministers? How do you receive unbelievers in your home? The truth is, through hospitality, the Gospel message can be preached non-verbally and souls of visitors can be won.
Key Point:
If your hospitality cannot attract your visitors to Christ, you are probably not doing it right. Always be prepared to make your guests, even unexpected guests comfortable.
Open Heavens Online
Powered by:
Kingdom 28
RCCG Lagos Province 28.
No comments:
Post a Comment