How's Your Hospitality?
For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled . . . . (Titus 1:7-8 NKJV)
I want to draw attention to an important aspect of our faith that's often overlooked-hospitality. Hospitality? Is that even in the Bible? Does God really care about something like that? Yes, He does. So much so that it's listed here as one of the qualifying characteristics of a bishop. And this isn't the only place.
Consider its importance in the Old Testament. Hospitality played a pivotal part in the way God revealed the promise of Isaac to Abraham (Genesis 18:4). The widow of Zarephath extended a little bit of hospitality toward Elijah, and it resulted in miraculous provision and the resurrection of her son (1 Kings 17:8).
Hospitality also played an important role in the life of Christ. He was a frequent guest at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (Luke 10:38). Zacchaeus' hospitality opened the door for a powerful work of redemption and restoration (Luke 19:6). And the Last Supper was made possible through an anonymous act of hospitality (Matthew 26:18).
The importance of hospitality reached a new level in the life of the early church. Where would Paul have been apart from the hospitality of the disciples in Damascus (Acts 9:19)? Cornelius' hospitable invitation to Peter paved the way for the Gentiles to gain recognition and acceptance in the early church (Acts 10:24). And Paul's missionary career was furthered by the hospitality of many followers, namely Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2), and Philip (Acts 21:8).
Maybe we won't go down in history as an Abraham or an Elijah. We'll never come close to the accomplishments of Christ. And we probably won't have the same impact as Peter or Paul. But all of us have the ability to exercise hospitality in some way. A heart open to the things of God will be reflected by an open home. How's your hospitality?
DIG - Why should a Christian be motivated to be hospitable?
DISCOVER - When was the last time you did something hospitable?
DISPLAY - Do something hospitable for someone this week.
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At the age of 24, Bob Coy left a coveted position in the music industry to serve as an associate pastor with Calvary Chapel of Las Vegas. In 1985, Bob and his wife, Diane, moved to Fort Lauderdale and began Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale. As senior pastor, he has become well known for his unique style in expounding the Scriptures, making them come alive and relate to those of us living in the 21st century. His teaching style emphasizes the believer's "life application" of the highest standards of God's truth while his delivery captures the loving heart of God's Spirit.
Pastor Bob has had the rare privilege of watching God's miraculous hand move in the individual lives of those in the fellowship as well as the corporate body as a whole. From the first meeting in a living room with four in attendance, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale has now become home to over 17,000 men and women from the tri-county area, and ranks as the eighth largest church in the country. Though many have tried to attribute its rapid growth to numerous reasons, no one is more surprised by the phenomenon than Pastor Bob, who gives total credit and all the glory to God alone.
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