Enjoy your morning coffee and "chat" with Kathy about all aspects of life especially as it relates to being healthy. Using God's Word to illuminate truth is the major focus of this morning blog. This blog only posts Monday-Friday.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
December 18, 2013 - "No Room In The Inn"
Have you ever wondered what it must have been like to arrive in a city where you have no relatives, no place to stay, or no plans and the birth of a child is immanent? I imagine Joseph was diligent as he searched for a room where Mary could give birth. But the prophesies given concerning the birth of our Lord had to be fulfilled and Luke 2:6-7 records, "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them." (NLT)
No quest room, some translations say "no room in the inn," for the son of God who was the hope of the world? I wonder exactly how many inns posted the No Vacancy signs that night before a weary Joseph finally pleaded and was offered a stall? I am grateful an inn keeper somewhere said, "yes." How about you?
In the Jewish culture, it was common for people to share their homes and meals with travelers - strangers if you will. In fact, it was expected. Families were never afraid to bring others into their homes. We often don't see this in our culture, do we? I totally understand that times are very different and yet I feel we are obliged to share with others from our belongings as often as possible as well. After Jesus' death, great persecution broke out among believers. Many were forced to leave their homes and journey to new lands for protection. Again, the expectation was your home was an open and safe venue for those in need. This was such a strong reality that the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy that all church leaders should be "given to hospitality." It was a pre-requisite if you will. Again, the Greek translation of the word hospitality makes it clear this is not about entertaining associates or acquaintances. This really challenged me as I contemplated my response to the passage.
Then, if we consider "given" to hospitality the plot thickens. The word given, in the Greek, means to aggressively pursue something; to ardently follow after something; to hotly pursue until you catch it. So coupled together "given to hospitality" means to aggressively love strangers like a friend. Yikes! I do pretty good with associates but can't say I'm polished in this area as it pertains to strangers or those in need. I absolutely give when there's a need - willingly - but can I say I aggressively pursue? Probably not as much as I should.
This Christmas, I need a reminder that God loved me when I was a stranger and made His home available and I want to love others in this manner. I want to leave you today with a passage from 1 Peter that is a great summary for this concept "given to hospitality." I want God's bright presence to replace any NO VACANCY signs that I may have posted. All are welcomed into my heart and home.
Have a great Wednesday, PK.
1 Peter 4:8-11
The Message (MSG)
7-11 Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, andhe’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
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