Saturday 04 November 2017

Psalm: Psalm 116

Background

The Christian way of life can be very demanding, but isn'talways as exciting as some enthusiasts would have us believe. Yes,we never know what is around the next corner when we follow in thesteps of Jesus, but so much of our time will be taken up with theeveryday activities of life - work, or looking for work, school,home, families, eating, sleeping, shopping, paying bills, feelingtired, tetchy or depressed, following interests and hobbies, orattending meetings.

These daily routines can become so automatic that we fail to seehow much they can be used as part of our faith journey, especiallywhen it comes to meeting others and sharing our experience withthem. How can we find the time to "show hospitality to strangers"(or 'entertain' according to the NIV) when our lives are so busythat we never seem to get a moment to ourselves?

'Entertaining' in this setting doesn't mean putting on a lavishdinner, or getting out the best china: it means being hospitable,friendly, approachable and willing to listen and share. We can alldo that, even if some find it more difficult than others. But ifyou have ever come away from a chance encounter feeling so muchbetter for having met and talked, then you may have entertainedthat angel already. So:

If an angel appeared on the doorstep
with white robe, feathered wings and shining gold halo,
the chances are we might be so intrigued, or impressed, orunbelieving,
that we would welcome this vision and offer hospitality
to give ourselves the chance to judge the authenticity of theappearance.
   But an angel in overalls,
   or looking down-at-heel, or appearing to be in needof help,
   or comfort, or a listening ear, or a meal, or time,or money,
   or looking tired, or lonely,
   or even just seeming to be insignificant, oruninteresting - what then?
Would the welcome be as warm,
or open, or generous, or even curious?
   Or would caution overwhelm conscience;
   self-interest lead to indifference;
   personal priorities take preference
   and cause us to miss the chance
   of entertaining that elusive angel unawares?

To Ponder

• How do you feel when you are challenged to move outside yourcomfort zone in your faith?

• Who are the people who have made an unexpected difference inyour life - and how?