Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
MEMORIZE: “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 hospitability 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.
Bible in One year: Ezek. 1-3
