What does it mean for us to be the recipient of someone’s hospitality? Are we the kind of guest others wish to entertain? Based on our prior reflections, I believe a good guest doesn’t only contribute materially, but also makes positive spiritual impact on the hosts. As we reflect on Today’s Holy Nougat, let us think about ourselves as host and guest.
Luke 10:7 CEVDCI
[7] Stay with the same family, eating and drinking whatever they give you, because workers are worth what they earn. Don’t move around from house to house.
Staying in Place
I believe that sometimes God limits our options intentionally, and in those limiting moments we truly discover more about ourselves. If my theory is valid, then the issue no longer about lack of resources or being caught in dire circumstances. We could say instead, that restricted options test our mettle.
Self-Check
How do we relate to God when our circumstances are diminished? Does this affect how we behave as guests?
Digging Deeper
Our Nougat continues from Y’shua’s ‘practical evangelism’ session with the 72. Like the disciples, they had spent time learning from Y’shua, and had been sent out to prepare others for Y’shua’s visit. Sent in pairs, the instructions imply that they should expect to be hosted together. As perfect guests, their task focused on imparting and being recipients of God’s wellbeing. Being told to remain in one space could be a challenge if they were uncomfortable.
But that may actually be part of the spiritual discernment and growth process. For, if the field is readyfor harvesting, the production process is incomplete. We often assume that the persons God places in our lives are perfectly suited to our needs. But perhaps both hosts and guests are partnered to help each other to mature in the faith.
What if we are expected to remain in place – even in discomfort – so that God’s peace may permeate the home?
And hosts, could God be desiring us to receive others with far more grace and much less expectation to receive materially? Hebrews 13:2 challenges us to receive guests as though they are God’s special Messengers (that’s an aspect of what angels do here on earth). As hosts, while we don’t act with expectation of gain, we know that a godly guest brings peace with them. God-aligned hospitality offers positive benefits. Are we ready to tap into them while here on earth?
In all this, we realize that when both host and guest are on God’s agenda, we ought to be able to live peaceably. But, that’s not always feasible. When that doesn’t happen, are we prepared to stay for the long run?
Point to Ponder
What does it require for us to be gracious hosts and godly guests?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
