Friday 13 June 2008
- Bible Book:
- Hebrews
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember 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." (v.2–3)
Background
Like so much of the letter to the Hebrews, this passage iscrammed with references to ritual and the sacrificial rules foundin the Old Testament. Animal sacrifices and blood offeringsintended to obtain forgiveness for sin can be explored throughoutLeviticus. There is also reference to the scapegoat, expelled intothe wilderness carrying the sins of the people (
Blood was sometimes eaten, sometimes sprinkled and sometimes burntup when the whole animal was offered in flames to God. Jesus islinked here with these sacrificial victims, although in earlierchapters he has been identified with the high priest - the one whoperformed the sacrifice. Here is blood offered for us all.
But the suggestion is that we, like the animals to be sacrificed,and like Jesus who was crucified beyond the city walls, also go'outside'. The writer is not apparently thinking of us drinking theblood (as in the Lord's Supper) but of us sharing in the sufferingsof the Cross. This also suggests we share with the unclean, theoutsiders and the rejected. And there is a reminder of thetransitory nature of this world's communities.
Perhaps this identifying with outsiders also relates to thechallenge about hospitality (verse 2) (another Old Testamentreference to Abraham offering food to God's messengers -
Yet another Old Testament reference in verse 6 -
To Ponder
In terms of generous hospitality, who are ourstrangers? What can we offer them?
Think about the variety of prisoners in ourworld. Spend a little time imagining yourself as one of them. Howdoes it feel? You might offer that as your prayer.