Hospitality – Hospitality Takes Courage (365/212)
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We often think of hospitality as something comfortable: opening our home, sharing a meal, offering a seat. But what if making room for another person means risking something precious?
The Bible tells us in Joshua 2 that when two Israelite spies arrived at Rahab’s house in Jericho, “she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof” (v. 6), defying the king’s demand for their capture (v 1–21). Rahab courageously welcomed and protected these vulnerable strangers. Her actions were an expression of faith in the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel, whose mighty acts she had heard about - the parting of the Red Sea and the defeat of the Amorite kings (v 9–11). In exchange, Rahab pleaded with the spies to show kindness to her parents, siblings and entire household and spare their lives (v 12–13).
Rahab, once an outsider in Jericho, was brought into God's redemptive story and became an ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). The God who welcomed Rahab into His purposes invites us to become people who extend that same grace to others.
Hospitality sometimes means having the courage to welcome others, even when it comes at a cost.
Pause and Ponder
Whom might God be asking me to welcome, even when it feels costly?
Does my trust in God’s sovereignty shape how I respond to those in need?
Where might my courageous hospitality bless or protect someone else this week?
Just as God’s grace has made room for us, may we courageously make room for others, welcoming them with the love of Christ.
Lord, help me trust You more than my fears, and enable me willing to welcome, protect and bless those You place in my path. Amen.
Extended Reading: Joshua 2, 6
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