So, there were some unexpected visitors to my home today offering me a chance to practice hospitality. They are a wonderful family that had nowhere else to go. They had been refused help by their own church, and so we asked them to come to us. None had eaten all day, all needed showers and all were feeling somewhat discouraged. They are a family that have experienced great hardships, but through faith in Jesus Christ have been working to come back together and grow closer in Him.
As some of you know, I generally trip over myself and my own tongue when it comes to hospitality. I truly want to be hospitable, it just doesn't always come across that way. So, I found myself in the kitchen. (Martha, anyone?) Not to get away or look busy, just 'cause there was food to be cooked. I couldn't help though, feeling Martha-ish.
What would Jesus be doing in this situation?
How about to look at it in a different way. What if this family was Jesus? Taking a look at Jn 12:1-8 Mary worshiped Jesus in such a way as to give to Him her most expensive and precious posession. She served Jesus, who was a guest in her home.
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So, here is my question.... do I need to be Jesus, or Martha, or perhaps do I need to be Mary. Have I looked after this family's needs simply because I know it needs to be done and no one else can do it, or I have done it because I wanted to knowing that there would and should be no praise for this service. But, the other thought is, was there a chance to be Mary?
In the end, it comes to this. I am confused. I want to be like Jesus and be closer to Him with every passing moment, doing the work that He would be doing if He were on this earth today. I also want to serve and help people who are in need...feed them, clothe them, and -above all- love them. I also want to give my very best to Christ...how ever He may present Himself. Can I do it all? I sure hope so....through Christ. "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Phil 4:13
Does anyone have some thoughts?
Who knew hospitality could be so confusing?
So, right now, I am praising God for such an opportunity and hope that I have not let Him down. In Him, Laura
1 comment:
First Laura, I would say that "letting down God" should not be even a termed used. The Father is not looking to see if we meet His every expectation...that is why the Law was given through Moses...and as you know, no one but the Son fulfilled that Law and pleased the Father. Remember, we are under Grace, not the Law. There is no law against Love, against Hope, against Faith or any of the fruits of the Spirit. The Father will never say, "Why did you show Love to that family that way?" No...the fact that you did show love and took them in is enough.
Second, we are not living out the lives of those in the Bible. They already lived, as we are living now. Sure we can learn from them and I'm sure we have similarities to many of them. But you are Laura, not Mary or Martha...so be Laura, because He created you thus and loves you. Do what the Spirit tells you to do at the time. Live by the Spirit.
"A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master." Mt. 10:24-25
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