I have been struck by how central a theme hospitality is theologically. Not only does God welcome us into his world (as I described in my last blog), and welcome Israel into the promised land - He himself comes to Earth as a baby in order that we might be welcomed into heaven. We look forward as His followers to one day feasting at his banquet table!
Strangely, in the incarnation the "host" becomes the "guest." Jesus has no home to invite people to, but goes out to meet and share food with those who welcome Him in. This blurring of the relationship between the host and the guest reminds us that guests have much to offer us. This is encapsulated in Hebrews chapter 13, where the writer says that by entertaining strangers we may entertain angels.
LCM has been encouraging the welcome of people who associate strongly with another place (diaspora) for many years. For example, we have been connecting churches to Afghan refugees in order that they can get support, friendship and hear the gospel. Those from Ukraine, as indeed from other parts of the world, are made the image of God and are precious to him. What might it look like for us to welcome strangers?
Questions to consider:
1. In what small ways (before we even get to meals and homes) could we welcome people into our world?
2. How could our welcome recognise that guests have gifts to bless us with?
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