Hospitality Expressed

I've often commented on the familiar story of how Jesus took a small boy's lunch of 5 buns and 2 fish and fed more than 5000 people with it.  As I read that story again today I was struck with words that preceded that actual happening. 

Jesus was tired. He had taught all kinds of people and healed them. He was hearing reports from His followers of ministry activities.  He was grieving the death of his cousin John who had been executed by a wicked king.  What did he do?

Then he slipped quietly away with them toward the town of Bethsaida. But the crowds found out where he was going, and they followed him. He welcomed them and taught them about the Kingdom of God, and he healed those who were sick.  Luke 9:10-11

Jesus put aside His own convenience and comfort and welcomed them and provided for them exactly what they needed. 

I, on the other hand, am much more like Jesus followers.  They saw the crowds, saw where they were and what they had and this is what they said:

Late in the afternoon the twelve disciples came to him and said, “Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place.” But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Or are you expecting us to go and buy enough food for this whole crowd?”  Luke 9:12-13

We're tired.  It's not easy to find what's needed to take care of the people.  Let's just send them away.  What do you expect us to do?  Sound as familiar to you as it does to me?

We live in a culture and time that focuses on the needs and conveniences of the individual first.  It's something we are probably not often even that aware of but it's there. We check first if something fits into our schedule, our budget, our plans for what we want to do. 

We also live in a world of great need and human suffering, so much of it that we hit the "off" button because it seems overwhelming to us especially in light of the resources we think we have. 

God is inviting us today to look with His eyes, consider with His compassionate heart, and ask Him what we should do. 

Loving God, we live in a time of great need in the lives of so many. Our own resources seem limited but You have an amazing ability to make something incredible out of the small sacrifices and offering of time and resources we make available to You. 

Help us to live today as hospitable people, even when it is not convenient.  Give us listening ears, open hearts, and generous spirits with everyone we meet. Whatever it looks like to see and act with compassion like You, today, help us to do that.  Amen

Let’s open our eyes and our hearts today and make a difference in the lives of as many people as we can.