Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it
Hospitality is a wonderful trait. In general, it’s having a welcoming attitude. Many cultures have this as one of their values. Southerners are famous for it. Some in the Middle East have it, also. A man in Afganistan is memorialized in Zero Dark Thirty for his hospitality. He took in the navy seal and saved him from the Taliban. Hospitality is letting someone into our world. It may be our schedule. Hospitality welcomes them and puts our agenda on hold. The attitude must accompany it. We could do it begrudgingly, but that would not be hospitality. It’s almost as if we are honored that they arrived. We are glad to see them. Some are very natural with this. Others need to work on it. Biblical obediance is done even though we don’t feel it. The emotions will follow.
The second part of this passage speaks of angels. Apparently they are among us in human form. Why are they here? Psalm 91:11, 12 indicates that they are here for our protection. “For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a stone.…” It’s almost as if they are our secret service agents. They protect us. This doesn’t mean that we won’t get hurt. It also doesn’t mean that whatever happens to us is God’s fault. However, they are there to give us aide. The writer of Hebrews speaks of some being hospitable to angels. This is exciting. I’m sure we won’t know who they were. Atleast not on this earth. But it’s probably safe to say that we have intersected with angels. My instant reaction is to think that they were wonderful and perfect. However, maybe they were sent as an object of growth. They may have been challenging for us. That is where true hospitality would be evident. Jesus spoke of how it’s easy to help and be friendly to those we like. It’s more loving to help the unlovable. Lord, help us to be hospitable.