Hospitality–the Heart of God
by Annie Yorty
A few weeks ago I posted two blogs about the importance of hospitality—Biblical Hospitality and 5 Strategies for Heart-to-Heart Hospitality. This week let’s consider gracious hospitality—the heart of God toward us.
Hospitality in Bible Times
Abraham flexed and stretched his aching joints as he sought refuge from the blistering heat and labor of the day. He lowered himself into his seat near the door of his tent and leaned back, running a gnarled hand through his wiry gray hair. His eyelids drooped.
A shadow fell over him and he squinted open one eye. Forgetting his age, he leapt up and ran to the three guests that stood nearby. Knees creaking, he bowed low and invited them to stay with him.
“My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant. Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. I will get a piece of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant.” (Genesis 18:3-5 WEB)
The three, one of whom the Bible identifies as Yahweh God, tarried as Abraham hustled inside the tent to goad his wife, Sarah, into action.
“Quickly prepare three seahs [measures] of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.” (Genesis 18:6 WEB)
Continuing his sprint, Abraham selected the best from his herd and set his servants to the work of butchering. Along with the meat and bread made by Sarah, he offered butter and milk to the strangers at his door.
Abraham was an elderly well-to-do man. All this running around for strangers may not seem dignified from the perspective of our modern culture, but it emphasizes the importance of hospitality—the heart of God.
Hospitality—the Heart of God
Later, as the visitors reclined around a table to eat the meal, Yahweh delivered a message of hope to Abraham.
“I will certainly return to you at about this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” (Genesis 18:10 WEB)
This son, promised by God to Abraham long before, would be an ordinary boy who would begin a dynasty of God’s people leading to the birth our Savior. Jesus would go to ultimate lengths—death on a cross—to swing open the doors of His heavenly home and make a place for us at His table.
In his hospitality toward the visitors, Abraham foreshadowed the hospitality of Jesus.
Jesus swings open the doors of His heavenly home to make a place for us at His table. #hospitality #godsheart #annieyorty #jeanniewaters #a placeathistable Click To TweetAbraham washed the dust from the strangers’ feet.
Jesus washed the sin from our hearts.
The blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7b WEB)
Abraham insisted the strangers rest after their journey.
Jesus insists on carrying our burdens.
Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 WEB)
Abraham refreshed the strangers with food and drink.
Jesus refreshes us with His presence.
Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19 WEB)
A New Book Release about Hospitality—the Heart of God
One might say hospitality is all about satisfying your guests’ needs. A new devotion book by Jeannie Waters shows us how God invites us into His presence at His table to perfectly satisfy our needs.
Throughout every one of the forty delightful devotions in A Place at His Table, Jeannie shows how God lavishes his gifts upon us. Through storytelling and Scripture, she explores one gift per day along with practical application and prayer.
As a bonus, she offers tidbits of southern hospitality for your consumption. Whether you’re looking for a devotional for yourself or a friend, I highly recommend getting a copy today.
Reclining at God’s table, you’ll be completely satisfied!
Join the conversation:
What washing, rest, or refreshment are you most thankful for today?
I welcome your comments!
Copyright ©2023 Annie Yorty
Temple, Priest, and Sacrifice
16 Comments
Nancy E. Head
Modern Christians garner a great deal of blessing when we welcome others into our homes.
We get to learn about others’ lives in a way we would never if we had kept our doors closed. We get to see how God worked in their lives in a way we otherwise would not know.
Welcome, friends. Welcome, visiting missionaries. Welcome, interational students.
Welcome.
Annie Yorty
Absolutely, Nancy. Our lives are enriched when we open our hearts and homes to others. I especially love to invite people from other cultures. Thanks for visiting. You’re welcome anytime!
Barbara Latta
The Bible gives us many examples of hospitality and how we should extend this gracious gift to others. Thanks, Annie, for pointing out Abraham’s presentation to the strangers who visited Him. This significance was vital to his future.
Annie Yorty
It was a pivotal day for Abraham. Imagine if he had not attended to his guests. Great point, Barbara. Thanks for visiting!
J.D. Wininger
I too have enjoyed the refreshment that came from Ms. Jeannie’s book Ms. Annie. I loved your perspective ma’am, in that our hospitality towards others is but a reflection of the hospitality shown to us by our gracious God. In our hospitality and gracious service to others, we are showing them a glimpse of what awaits them in God’s kingdom. Won’t it be something when He one day welcomes us into His home?
Annie Yorty
What a glorious day that will be, J.D. I can almost taste it! Thanks for visiting.
Jimmie Kepler
Reminds me of the old gospel hymn, “Come Just As You.” Being kind and welcoming to others is really just a way of returning the favor to the gracious God who’s been so kind to us. When we treat people with unconditional love, warmth, and generosity, it’s like giving them a sneak peek of the wonderful hospitality they can expect in God’s kingdom. After all, that’s hw the Lord treats us.
Annie Yorty
I love that, Jimmie. We have the opportunity to offer a “sneak peek” of God’s heart and hospitality. I pray we would be faithful to show the way to His kingdom. Thanks for visiting!
Candyce Carden
I’ve enjoyed the articles on hospitality as this is an area I’m trying to grow in my walk of faith. I’ve had to let go of my desire for perfection as I focus on the ones I’m with rather than how everything looks and tastes. The world’s view of hospitality certainly differs from God’s view.
I love how you dovetailed your post with Jeannie’s wonderful new book.
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Candyce. Hospitality is something God has caused to grow in me over a period of time. It’s so much more than I really understood years ago. I’m glad you enjoyed Jeannie’s book. I think it’s great!
Katherine Pasour
Annie, I love how your message gives such a personal touch to Abraham, who we typically view as a distant, ancient figure whose descendants became nation of Israel. You made his hospitality feel so welcoming and as you link the message to Jesus, it becomes hope, love, mercy and salvation. Thank you, for this beautiful message.
Annie Yorty
Katherine, thank you for visiting and adding your thoughts to this conversation. Sometimes when I read about figures in the Old Testament, I can gloss over their humanity. Thinking about their thoughts and motivations helps me to identify with them and learn from them.
Yvonne Morgan
Such a beautiful reminder of the importance of hospitality. So often, we are too busy or too caught up in our to-do list that we forget to offer hospitality to those around us. And it opens so many doors for conversations about faith. Thanks for sharing
Annie Yorty
Yvonne, you’ve hit upon the crown of hospitality–the opportunity to share the gospel of Christ. Great observation!
Martin Johnson
Good post, servanthood is becoming a lost practice in the 21st-century church.
Annie Yorty
Thanks for visiting, Martin. I appreciate your encouragement.