Sunday 02 July 2017

Psalm: Psalm 89:1-18

Background

These verses come as the climax to Jesus sending out hisdisciples on their own for the first time. The instructions (Matthew10:5-15) that he gives them about the way they should travel(no money, no bag, no extra clothes) (verses 9-10), teach (thekingdom of heaven has come near) (verse 7) and do (heal, raise,cleanse, free of demons) (verse 8) are well known. We also rememberhow the disciples should immediately leave and shake the dust offtheir feet if they are not welcomed (verse 14).

Immediately, before these verses Jesus warns that he has not cometo bring peace and the need to put him first, pick up our cross andfollow him (verses 34-39).

So how do these verses fit?

My commentaries focus on the importance of hospitality indifficult times (if Christians are not welcomed when on the runfrom persecution, or on mission work then the gospel (good news)cannot spread) and on the authority of the disciples (when youwelcome them it is just as if you welcome Jesus).

Both of these still challenge us today. How much do we welcomepeople fleeing persecution or coming to us with the gospel (goodnews) from other places? When someone comes to us from elsewhere dowe welcome them and their teaching as we would welcome Jesus?

However, I also want to suggest another challenge for today. Theseverses may help in the recent controversy about hell and salvationthat has followed the publication of LoveWins by Rob Bell. What does this passage mean today forsomeone who welcomes and offers hospitality to a Christian withoutbelieving themselves? We often focus on belief as the only responseto Jesus. Perhaps here we see what Jesus thinks of anotherresponse, specifically hospitality.

Hospitality, specifically the welcome and care of strangers, is afrequent theme of the Old Testament (for example Genesis18:1-15).

When people are hospitable today (and so many different peopleoffer amazing hospitality) how do we apply these verses?

To Ponder

• How do you feel about the hospitality we offer as individuals,churches and as a nation?

• What influences the authority you give to someone's experienceand teaching?
• How do you respond to those who are hospitable to Christianswithout themselves believing in the one who sends them?