Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. -Hebrews 13:2
Glory and honor in the sight of the Most High God are found in places where you least expect it. Strangers are a case in point.
How difficult it is to turn your gaze away from things and people that are self-chosen delights, and instead turn your attention toward persons who waltz into your life with neither invitation nor plan.
Hidden in that startling body of flesh, blood, and bone that comes out of nowhere is a soul and spirit as unpredictable and incomprehensible as the wind. Who is this person? What do they want? What do they think of you?
For every living body that inhabits space on earth there is need. There is need of food and clothing merely on the surface of things, but more so there is need for these to be applied gracefully and graciously with words of comfort and good cheer.
Since this does not happen when you are looking inward at your own sufferings, this admonition to show hospitality without neglect points to the hidden glory of the recipient, so that you might be encouraged rather than afraid when a stranger enters your world.
Indeed, this is precisely what Christ Jesus did for you as well. Both of you strangers to one another, but He - The Maker of Heaven and Earth and all that is contained therein - took it upon Himself to minister to you and speak words of comfort and good cheer, not merely casting and nod and glance in your direction, but heaping all good things onto your lap and abiding with you as you share in His sufferings for a short while.
The opportunity to show hospitality to strangers will occur as your dear Father in Heaven provides it, for He has established your path already, and by His Word and Spirit preserves you in the same. Your service to angels is known to the Author and Perfecter of your faith, but not to you, and that is how it should be lest pride and boasting enter in.
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