Some Extra Thoughts On Spiritual Hospitality

# 83 Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 1Ti 3:2 A bishop (pastor) then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, Next on the list of qualifications for those who would serve in the office of pastor is he must be hospitable or given to hospitality which is defined as welcoming strangers. First of all, let me remind you that ALL Christians are encouraged to cheerfully welcome strangers, this is not something relegated to pastors alone. 1Pe 4:9 says, “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” and in Heb 13:2 we read, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” What does hospitality look like? How can it be measured? The best biblical example is that of Abraham in Ge 18:2 So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, 3 and said, "My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. 4 "Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 "And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant." They said, "Do as you have said." 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, "Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes." 7 And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. 8 So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate. I would suggest to you that this kind of physical treatment of others is very important, but there also may be a deeper spiritual lesson for us as it regards the pastor. The pastor is the “Abraham” of the congregation. Bent on refreshing all his guests with the gospel of Jesus Christ, washing their feet of their accumulated dirt of sin, through the declaration of forgiveness, and his heart is gladdened like Abraham because he has the bread of life and the meat of the word of God to place before them, for strength for their continued journey.