Hospitality Defined: Practical Love in Service to GodSýnishorn

The Guest Who Never Leaves

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. (v. 20)

Even the most congenial host would be dismayed at the thought of a guest who never left, but what if the guest is Jesus Christ? What if he desires close and personal fellowship with us? He is truly the guest we want to stay with us forever!

Christ’s words to the church of Laodicea were not easy ones for the believers there to hear. He reproved them for being “lukewarm” in their response towards him (v. 16). They were spiritually self-satisfied and did not even realize their true state of being “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (v. 17). Even as he reproved these believers, Jesus invited them to a closer, more intimate relationship. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (v. 20). While this verse often invites unbelievers to repentance, it is a verse addressed to believers. Jesus is ready for us to show him hospitality!

We have seen how hospitality was practiced in both the Old and New Testaments and how it’s expected of God’s people. We extend it to both friends and enemies in obedience to God. Hospitality advances the gospel in numerous ways and will be rewarded someday as Christ shows his hospitality to us. Finally, we have the joy of being hospitable to Jesus himself as we open our hearts to him.

As you pray, think of your response to the hospitality call.

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