Matthew 10:40-42 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 10:40-42 on biblegateway.com
Verse 40"Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Verse 41Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; Verse 42and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple-truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward."
Devotion
Whatever happened to Christian hospitality? Pardon an old man's recollection of the "good old days." While serving as a missionary, I traveled about the country speaking about mission work in Brazil. Often extended trips were made and I was welcomed into parishioners' or pastors' homes to stay overnight. I have many fond memories of those hospitable people.
Today we have the "hospitality industry" with chains of the "same ol" hotels, motels, etc. Believe me, it is not the same, not as personal, as in the past. We never read of Jesus using the inns of his day. Instead, he found hospitality at the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Something has been lost in our modern system. The words of Jesus imply that there is a reward for hospitality-not just for the period of a short "visit" but for eternity.
Prayer
Lord, may we not be like the innkeeper of Bethlehem but open our hearts to others. Amen.