From the Pastor's Pen

Dear Friends,

This week in Bible study, we reached one of my favorite passages in Genesis.  The story is about a visit of three strangers to Abraham’s tent.  Abraham treats them to great hospitality.  He provides water to wash their feet and a shady place for them to rest in the heat of the day.  Then he prepares a great feast of food for them and quiet stands by to serve them while they eat.

As it turns out, they are not you average strangers.  It is the Lord with two angels as the Lord’s companions.  They have come with good news for Sarah and Abraham about the upcoming birth of a baby boy for the elderly couple.  From this story the author of the Letter to the Hebrews in the New Testament wisely advises, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Heb. 13: 2).

I like this idea of showing hospitality to strangers or kindness to strangers.  I try to think about this when I go out for a walk or when I’m in a store.  These days there is a lot of tension in our world.  We may run into someone while out and about who is feeling angry about any variety of things and may choose to take that anger out on a perfect stranger.  It might be you.  I think it wisest to treat those around us with great kindness and hospitality when we are able.  You never know how the Lord may choose to meet us.

Peace,

Pr. Sally