Hebrews 13:1-6 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 13:1-6 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 13Let mutual love continue. Verse 2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Verse 3Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Verse 4Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Verse 5Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." Verse 6So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?"
Devotion
Once, I was on a mission trip with youth, in a city where I did not speak the language. I found myself alone, walking some distance to meet up with the rest of the group. Suddenly, a woman I had just recently met drove down the road on a mo-ped. She stopped and signaled for me to get on the back. Without exchanging words, I got on and she graciously took me to my destination. Her hospitality to me, a foreigner in her land, spoke volumes. While I do not remember this woman's name, I have not forgotten her gesture. God shows up in the craziest places, even driving a mo-ped. As we welcome strangers into our lives, we are changed. How might you entertain strangers during this Lenten season?
Prayer
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
(Hebrews 13:2 NIV)