LIVING TOGETHER IN FAITH

HEBREWS 13:1–3

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it

(Hebrews 13:2).

The author of Hebrews has told us that we have come to the New Jerusalem, and part of that New Jerusalem is the church on earth—“the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven” (Heb. 12:23). He closes his letter with a series of exhortations on how to live as earthly citizens of the Heavenly Jerusalem.

He begins by saying that we should love each other as brothers. He provides two examples of what such love should mean.

First, we should be given to hospitality. In the ancient world, it was often not pleasant or desirable to stay at an inn when traveling. Travelers were the prey of bandits and thieves. Thus, believers opened their homes to other believers who were traveling.

The author of Hebrews reminds us that in the Old Testament we find stories of people receiving strangers who turned out to be angels. We think of Abraham and the three “men” he received in Genesis 18; or of Lot, who received two angels without realizing it in Genesis 19; or of Gideon in Judges 6. Since the word angel can also mean “messenger,” the example of Rahab receiving the spies is another case in point. In each instance there was a blessing for hospitality. The same is true today.

The second example of brotherly love is visiting those in prison. Prison is an ugly place today, and it was far uglier then. We naturally try not to think about people in such situations. It takes discipline to visit saints who are in prison. When the faithful Ethiopian Ebed-Melech visited Jeremiah in prison, he found that they had thrown Jeremiah into a pit. Ebed-Melech interceded for Jeremiah, and the prophet was rescued before he expired (Jer. 37–38). Faithful believers in prison need our prayers, but they also need the encouragement of visits in this world.

In our era we have invented new “prisons” into which we place people we’d rather not have to deal with. Convalescent homes and hospitals are two examples. Of course, to some extent such institutions are necessary. But how easy it is for us to forget about the people who are there. Often they feel imprisoned. The author of Hebrews enjoins us to visit them. It is our chance to play the role of “angels” for other people.

CORAM DEO

Psalms 97–100

WEEKEND

Psalms 104–107

Today’s study is eminently practical. Are you one of those who invites church visitors home for lunch? When people you know are sick, do you visit them? Are there any abortion protesters in jail who need your visitation? Show solidarity with all God’s people, not just those with whom you feel comfortable.

For further study: Isaiah 58:5–11 • Matt. 25:34–40

WEEKEND