She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.”
2 Kings 4:9-10
In this day and age it is not uncommon for people to be fearful.
I lived in an area where people appeared very friendly, but it was all surface. Beyond superficial pleasantries people were suspicious, very cautious and rather reluctant to be helpful. Reports of racial tensions, high unemployment, decline in industries and disruption among sections of young people gave the area a sense of fear. With fear came more closed doors and closed hearts than ones of compassion and hospitality.
The loving heart of a follower of God leads to hospitality. Not just hospitality on the surface but a deep, meaningful desire for the wellbeing of the other whether friend, stranger or enemy. There is something about this heart that gives without holding back and gives with no need for repayment.
The woman did not set up the room for the prophet to get anything other than the honour of hosting the man of God. Later on we’re encouraged to be hospitable because we may be entertaining angels without knowing it. The heart to serve and the will to care puts us in the place to show generous hospitality in any situation, just because the love of God moves and guides us.
How that works in this day and age sees us stand against fear-tinged rhetoric that demonises immigrants or rebellious young people. We seek to welcome them, not just show basic respect but to honour and celebrate the rich diversity of humanity they offer.
Opening doors of opportunity and relationships, sharing blessings and also giving a chance for others to also partake in the blessing of giving.
This is how Kingdom Living contradicts every defensive instinct that so-called self-preservation has used to prevent others from getting too close. This is Kingdom Living and the privilege of all members in God’s Body as we share the Good News of the King of Love ruling in righteousness typified by generous hospitality.
As long as we pray for His Kingdom to come, so we open our hearts and lives to this generous hospitality.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 