Hebrews 13:1-3
Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.
One of the wonderful things about the holidays is recounting the magnificent stories the elders use to share with us back in the day. But none of them touched me as much as those spiritual encounters they testified of having. Especially those including angels in disguise.
In the closing chapter of the book of Hebrews, the writer (often thought to be Apostle Paul) makes a heartfelt plea to his audience to continue in loving relationships of great significance.
First he mentions loving each other as brothers and sisters. This should not be taken lightly. Loving each other is the centerpiece of our Christian faith. Just last week we talked about the power of loving each other as Christ loved us. This level of devotion, caring and concern separates the Christian from every other person. It is in the unparalleled and unprecedented love that Jesus gave us that we astound the world as we imitate him in our daily interaction with each other. True selflessness cannot be faked. It is so antithetical to normal behavior that it confirms the presence of Christ in the life of a believer. Only Jesus can cause us to love in that manner.
Next, the writer invites our attention to the treatment of strangers. Now this is extremely important because we truly don’t know who they represent. Look again at the scripture. It says, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it”. Treating angels less than hospitable obviously isn’t something any of us would consciously consider doing. The Bible is filled with stories of angelic encounters with the great patriarchs and matriarchs of the past. Can you imagine how different this world would be if Abraham hadn’t listened to the sage advice of the angels that came to visit him? And what about the angel that came to Mary to let her know she was carrying our Lord? Time and time again, angels have been noted doing the work of God. Some of us have personal stories as well. But I can only wonder how many times have we ignored, or even worse, scoffed at these servants of the Lord, not realizing they were angels in disguise.
The writer goes on to urge us to remember those in prison; and put ourselves in their place. I would be lying if I didn’t confess that in this regard I am somewhat ambivalent. While I certainly fight for the rights and freedoms of those falsely imprisoned and unduly incarcerated, I find myself less sympathetic for those that have actually done wrong. Now, I would say, ‘don’t judge me’, but I guess I can’t since I’m judging others! This scripture definitely speaks to me. The issue is not guilt or innocence, the issue is love. My job is not to be judge or jury, but a child of compassion. Christ forgave me for far more than I deserve. I am called to do the same.
And finally the writer concludes these verses with a grand challenge. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. The level of empathy to achieve this cannot be overstated. This is truly a work for the Holy Spirit. Loving our brothers and sisters is a challenge. Always treating total strangers hospitable and kind is daunting. Remembering the plight of the incarcerated and imprisoned is transformative. But caring for and identifying with the mistreated, neglected and forgotten is truly humbling. Humbling because very often their plight is what adds comfort to our lives. We don’t often talk about it, or even want to admit it, but much of the world suffers at the hand of those that feed us.
I don’t want to get too deep into this subject this morning but it’s undeniable that we are the beneficiaries of a economic system that capitalizes on poverty and inequality. We often lament our horrific past, (and we should) but it’s incumbent that we also keep in mind those that are currently suffering and struggling. Just because we are doing a little better, let us not forget about those that our mantle of pain has fallen to.
Our kindness, prayers, generosity, compassion and loving support can pave the way for souls all over the world to experience Christ. I’m excited we have been gracious and kind during these holidays, but folk need Jesus everyday. So let’s continue what we’ve started and make this our manner of service our way of life. And remember, one of those folk may actually be an angel in disguise.
God Bless
