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Entertaining Strangers, February 13
Genesis 18:1-8
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained
angels unawares.
Hebrews 13:2
.
God conferred great honor upon Abraham. Angels of heaven walked and
talked with him as friend with friend. When judgments were about to be visited
upon Sodom, the fact was not hidden from him, and he became an intercessor
with God for sinners. His interview with the angels presents also a beautiful
example of hospitality
In the records of Genesis we see the patriarch at the hot summer noontide
resting in his tent door under the shadow of the oaks of Mamre. Three travelers
are passing near. They make no appeal for hospitality, solicit no favor; but
Abraham does not permit them to go on their way unrefreshed. He is a man full
of years, a man of dignity and wealth, one highly honored, and accustomed to
command; yet on seeing these strangers he “ran to meet them from the tent door,
and bowed himself toward the ground.” Addressing the leader he said: “My
Lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy
servant” (
Genesis 18:2, 3
). With his own hands he brought water that they might
wash the dust of travel from their feet. He himself selected their food; while
they were at rest under the cooling shade, Sarah his wife made ready for their
entertainment, and Abraham stood respectfully beside them while they partook
of his hospitality. This kindness he showed them simply as wayfarers, passing
strangers, who might never come his way again. But, the entertainment over,
his guests stood revealed. He had ministered not only to heavenly angels, but to
their glorious Commander, his Creator, Redeemer, and King. And to Abraham
the counsels of heaven were opened, and he was called “the friend of God.” ...
The privilege granted Abraham and Lot is not denied to us. By showing
hospitality to God’s children we, too, may receive His angels into our dwellings.
Even in our day, angels in human form enter the homes of men and are enter-
tained by them. And Christians who live in the light of God’s countenance are
always accompanied by unseen angels, and these holy beings leave behind them
a blessing in our homes
[51]
29
Patriarchs and Prophets, 138
.
30
Testimonies for the Church 6:341, 342
.
50