HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Memorise: As every man hath
received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards
of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10
In the Bible passage for today’s meditation, a great
woman of Shunem offered a home away from home to Elisha through generous
reception and warm entertainment. Her hospitality opened the door to her long
awaited miracle. Hospitality is a friendly and generous reception that should
be considered as a duty by every Christian 1 Peter 4:9 says:
“Use hospitality one to another without grudging”
It should be noted that some people are reticent about
generous reception and some others are even adamant in not showing hospitality
to the people of God. Several reasons are given to justify their actions or
inactions. These include tiredness and not having enough to entertain. It is
however imperative and of great benefit to be hospitable. This is because God
commands it (Deuteronomy 10:19). Hospitality is an opportunity every believer
must grab whenever it comes or even proactively seek after. It can take the
form of food or lodging (i.e. accommodation with facilities) as in 2 Kings
4:10. when we encounter the people of God who can benefit from our support, we
should not hesitate to show them hospitality. Christians as individuals or as
couples should be hospitable. Moreover, couples benefits can be derived from
this.
From the story of the Shunammite woman, it is obvious that making men of
God comfortable can solve age-long problems, but there must be an agreement
between the husband and wife on this. Sometimes people argue that hospitality
can be expensive. This could be true. However, the cost of hospitality can not
be compared to its benefits. The cost of providing bread and accommodation for
Elisha was less than the benefit of receiving a male child at old age by the
Shunammite woman. There are instances where people entertained angels
unknowingly (Hebrew 13:2). Hospitality is the key to receiving miracles, as
reflected in the life of Abraham and his wife Sarah (Genesis 18:2-14). There is
a user of this devotional whose miracles will be perfected through hospitality.
An additional benefit is that you can win sinners to Christ through hospitality
(Luke 7:36-39). The issue of hospitality should not be limited to individual
Christians. As a church, you should show hospitality to your guests and
visitors. God wants us to be generous; He is always doing something in return
for our gracious hospitality. May the Lord help us to make your home and church
a home away from home for guests and visitors in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer point
Ask God for the grace to be
hospitable.
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