Page 8 - May 2022 - Truth & Tidings

an immigrant – we would call him today means of introduction.) Those who are
an Iraqi – and perhaps he had faced chal- far from home might also appreciate an
lenges of prejudice when he first reached invitation to lunch.
the land of his adoption. He warmly wel- Be generous to those sitting at your table.
comed the three men as guests. Reciprocal meal invitations between

An Open Hand – Generosity longstanding friends are good but also
benefit from being widened to include
We are delighted by the swift trajectory others outside the normal circle. Wives go
of our story. From the provision first of- to a lot of trouble providing tasty meals,
fered in modest terms, Abraham hastily but their husbands have a part to play as
urged his wife, Sarah, to bake something well. Abraham, at 99 years of age, did not
substantial for his guests. He played his sit back and let Sarah do it all.
part too by quickly arranging for some Be willing to invite others to stay overnight
fresh and tender meat to be prepared in your home. Truly, some strangers will
for the guests. As the men ate, Abraham
stood by while Sarah remained inside the turn out to be “angels.” However, we
also have a responsibility to protect our
tent. One of the three men unexpectedly
pronounced a blessing upon Sarah – she spouses and children from any harm
would give birth to a male child! The One or danger. There may be an element of
who took the lead is considered to be the risk. It helps when a husband and wife
Lord Himself, a preincarnate appearance have considered this together and are in
of Christ in temporary human form (Gen agreement about their response to the
18:10,13-14). emergency needs of others.
The guests must surely have departed Be prepared for your kindness and hospital-
with a favourable impression of their ity to be abused. Many of us have stories
hospitable hosts. Abraham accompanied to tell of times we have been deceived.
them on foot for a little distance (Gen (The Gibeonites were masters in the art,
18:16). We still do this in Africa, “opening feigning distant origins and stricken
up the way” for our visitors. circumstances, Joshua 9.) We recall that
What can we learn from Abraham and the Lord Jesus was well aware that some
Sarah, even as we seek to serve God faith- who followed Him were more interested
fully in our very different culture? Sev- in the physical – another free meal – than
eral applicable lessons lie on the surface. the spiritual (Joh 6:26). Do not stop being
Further general points are also relevant kind, whatever your past experiences.
to life today. Be aware that God will bless you, even as
Be friendly to strangers visiting your as- you bless others. Abraham and Sarah were
sembly. Any unknown stranger arriving at shocked to receive affirmation of a divine
the door is to be welcomed with a prompt promise. It was not a reward, of course,
and friendly greeting as they enter. They for their hospitality. Nevertheless, it was
should not be left standing alone in a cor- God’s way of informing them of the an-
ner. It is appropriate to make a few initial swer to their fervent hopes and prayers of
enquiries as to their circumstances. (In the many years. What might they have missed
case of a believer, a letter of commenda- had they said they were too busy that day
tion serves as a scriptural and respectful to host the heavenly guests?

136 TRUTH kTidings May 2022