Like Hebrews 13:1, today's verse gives another example of how to worship God acceptably (Hebrews 12:28-29). Hospitality is an important part of a Christian’s lifestyle, as it had been for Abraham. The verse points back to Genesis 18:1-19:29, when three strangers arrived at Abraham's tent promising a son through Sarah even though he was about 100 and she was 90 years old. That prophetic message encouraged them and nine months later, Isaac was born.

The strangers also brought the warning that Sodom and Gomorrah, the wicked cities in which Abraham's nephew Lot had made his home, would be destroyed. It seems as though two of the men were angels (they subsequently went to rescue Lot before they brought judgement on the cities – Genesis 19:1) and one of the men was a pre-incarnation appearance of the Lord Jesus (Genesis 18:22). Abraham welcomed the strangers and so did Lot. The first was given a promise and a cause to pray for God's mercy; the second was saved from judgement.

But when the visitors arrived, they had no idea what might follow. Certainly it was an Eastern cultural habit to welcome travellers and give them a meal and a place to sleep; then entertain them in conversation on the second day before sending them on their way on the third. But there is a spiritual principle here. Being willing to share and give is Christlike. The leaders of the early churches were only appointed if they were hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). Widows should only be supported by the church if they had previously shown hospitality (1 Timothy 5:10). All believers should share with God's people in need (Romans 12:13), and do so without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9); and offer hospitality to travelling missionaries (3 John 1:5-8).

Of course, we need to be wise and prudent to beware dangerous people and false prophets: but we need to understand the principle of opening our hearts and our homes to people in need, or God's servants. Put it the other way: those believers who refuse to share with the people God sends are out of step with Jesus. He gave His life for others. Life is often not as orderly as some of us might prefer, and God will often surprise us – sending people who need our help and sending people to help us. Some come with encouragement and promises, others with warning and the need to take action. But it is not random. The Lord is in command of His 'angels' (messengers) and He also comes to us personally to reveal His heart to us and invite us to pray. Is hospitality part of your godly lifestyle? If not, it should be.