Leviticus 19:33-34 and Deuteronomy 10:17-19 spell it out. When it comes to strangers, we are to love them, even as we love ourselves. Basic human need (food, shelter, justice and love) would be reason enough. But God has more in mind. Strangers bring a gift that God’s people need.
- Read Genesis 18:1-15. Discover the surprising news these strangers brought to Abraham and Sarah.
- The widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-24) responded to the needs of a stranger and received a surprising gift from Elijah.
- Luke 24:13-35 tells how two disciples walking to Emmaus happened across a stranger who was a big surprise.
We need to ask “Who is my stranger? How can I be hospitable?” Every act of hospitality to a stranger is a reminder of God’s incredible hospitality to us. Make an open space in your heart for the spirit of the risen Christ. Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.
This message was adapted from “The Stranger, My Stranger” by E. Louise Williams that appeared in the March 1997 issue of Lutheran Woman Today (now Gather) magazine.
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