The normalcy of hospitality

 

Western culture often struggles with concepts of hospitality for immigrants and vistors. Like many middle-eastern faiths, early Christianity viewed hospitality as part of their faith practice. Lydia demonstrated this when she immediately invites Paul to come stay with her and her family (Acts 16:15). By receiving Paul, she became a part of his story. In what ways do you help non-residents feel welcomed and cared for?

The stories we don't tell

 

Some Bible stories can be hard to read because they accurately depict man's sinful nature. Tamar's story (Gen 38) is one of those stories. In this story, Tamar is denied her only avenue of security and she response by blackmailing her oppressor. Rather than looking for righteous hero in this story, we might do well to let it remind us that systems of oppression produce desperate people who need our care.

Sisera's misplaced trust

Sisera, trusted his large and sophisticated military to win the battle with Israel (Judges 4).   Sisera's trust proved to be poorly placed when his army was completely destroyed by Barak's men. Seeking refuge, Sisera again trusted poorly, by asking Jael to hide him. She killed him in sleep, further humiliating him. As Christians, we trust in God, not in armies or political powers. Who do you trust to keep you safe?

Can you give what has been given?

Sometimes we justify our greed and refuse to help others because we feel they are dishonest and taking advantage of us.  Maybe we are afraid it will make us look weak, or gullible if we give to someone who doesn't really need the help as much as they say. As Christians, we know that we deserve none of the good gifts God has given us (James 1:17), and that we are really giving away what was given to us.

Leaders lead

 Deborah, the fearless voice for God and a just judge of His people, demonstrated outstanding leadership by accompanying the country's general into a dangerous battle (Judges 4). While the motives of the general, Barak, are unknown, he insisted God's representative stand with him during this crucial battle. Like any great leader, Deborah lead by example and put herself in harm's way before asking others to do so.

The undeserving...

 The core principle of Christianity is that God loved us so much, that He sent His Son to die for us, even though we did not do anything to deserve His love (Rom 5:8). How are displaying love for those who don't seem to deserve it?

Extending radical kindness

 

The early church was known radical care and kindness. Often reaching beyond the bounds of ethnicity or even religion, the early church was known as a group who would literally give the shirt off their back for anyone in need (Luke 6). How would others respond to modern Christianity if we considered their needs above our own needs? Can you think of a way to put others first this week?