February 1, 2016

Welcome Others As Jesus Would

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. -- Hebrews 13:2

We expect Jesus to be there every Sunday when we join together to worship. We know this. It’s what the Bible says. Whenever two or more are gathered He is there.

But what if you got word that Jesus was really going to be there next Sunday -- as in the flesh, His human body, meet and greet, there? That was the question our pastor posed Sunday morning.

Can you imagine it? Social media would spread the news quickly. All those folks who only show up sometimes would be there for sure. Those who stroll in late most weeks, would manage to be there early. We wouldn’t get so caught up in our conversations with friends that we would neglect those who might be new. After all we wouldn’t want to miss saying hello to anyone Jesus invited to come along.

We’d reserve a special parking place for Jesus. We wouldn’t put His name up there for all to see but we would mark VISITOR on a big sign AND nobody would park there. Jesus wouldn’t use it, of course. He’s not like that. He’d park way out and walk and leave the closer spots for others.

Jesus wouldn’t have trouble finding a place to sit. Nobody would dare “reserve” the pew they sit on every week. Nor would they glare at Jesus for sitting there. Everyone would be sure to welcome Jesus.

Here’s the thing: We’re supposed to welcome everyone like we would welcome Jesus. We’re supposed to behave as though Jesus is standing right there beside us, with a broad smile on His face and a sparkle in His eyes. We’re to be glad to see everyone, whether we know them or not. And whether we particularly like them or not.

It’s not about us. We say that a lot but we don’t live as though we mean it. Deep inside, we want it to be about us. But it’s about Jesus. It’s about His people. It’s about being His eyes and ears and His heart here on this earth. His heart. Especially at church on a Sunday morning when we should be filled with Him.