The LORD appeared to
Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to
his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing
nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them
and bowed low to the ground. He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes,
my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then
you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something
to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way–now that you have come
to your servant.” “Very well,” they answered, “do as you
say.” (Genesis 18:1-5 NIV)
Perhaps hospitality
developed out of this story of Abraham’s encounter with God. Perhaps it is a
natural aspect of humanity. I don’t know when or how it developed, but down “in
the South” it still thrives. Every community, village, and town has their wavers
– people who acknowledge passers-by with a wave and a smile. It’s the first
indication of the hospitality factor.
developed out of this story of Abraham’s encounter with God. Perhaps it is a
natural aspect of humanity. I don’t know when or how it developed, but down “in
the South” it still thrives. Every community, village, and town has their wavers
– people who acknowledge passers-by with a wave and a smile. It’s the first
indication of the hospitality factor.
Go for a brisk walk
in any southern town, when you begin to “break a sweat” stop at the first house
where someone is sitting on the porch, veranda, or patio. Just a simple hello
and talk about anything. Before you get very far, the person will offer you a
drink of water, perhaps invite you to sit awhile and rest. It’s the second
factor of hospitality.
in any southern town, when you begin to “break a sweat” stop at the first house
where someone is sitting on the porch, veranda, or patio. Just a simple hello
and talk about anything. Before you get very far, the person will offer you a
drink of water, perhaps invite you to sit awhile and rest. It’s the second
factor of hospitality.
Now, they won’t
offer to wash your feet but if it’s close to meal time, provided you don’t look
like a tramp, druggie, or a criminal, you’ll be invited to stay and eat. It’s
the third factor of hospitality.
offer to wash your feet but if it’s close to meal time, provided you don’t look
like a tramp, druggie, or a criminal, you’ll be invited to stay and eat. It’s
the third factor of hospitality.
Even in the South,
it’s not as normal in the 21st century as it was in the 20th century and that
is tragic. It’s understandable though given the inherent dangers in our
society. We have to use wisdom when extending hospitality to strangers, but we
must not allow the dangers to stop it altogether. And of course, there are
other ways of extending hospitality to those around us.
it’s not as normal in the 21st century as it was in the 20th century and that
is tragic. It’s understandable though given the inherent dangers in our
society. We have to use wisdom when extending hospitality to strangers, but we
must not allow the dangers to stop it altogether. And of course, there are
other ways of extending hospitality to those around us.
Dear Father, thank
you for offering us the hospitality of your grace. Thank you for stopping by
and visiting with us. Empower us with a gracious, courteous and hospitable
spirit in all our ways. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for offering us the hospitality of your grace. Thank you for stopping by
and visiting with us. Empower us with a gracious, courteous and hospitable
spirit in all our ways. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and
courageous today with gracious hospitality,
courageous today with gracious hospitality,