“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house …” (Matthew 9:10).
“While he was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper …” (Mark 14:3).
“Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave” (Matthew 10:11).
In days of old, the traveler, relative or friend most often depended on individuals and not commercial establishments for hospitality. I suspect that today, despite our improved living conditions, not many families regularly have dinner guests other than family members. To do so should be one of our resolutions. May I make some suggestions for you?
— You may say you do not have proper china, silverware or crystal to entertain. Nonsense. Such is not required. Some people enjoy setting a beautiful table as much as preparing the food. For them this is an art form and is important to them, but a delightful meal can be enjoyed with paper plates and plastic cups.
— You may not think your house is fine enough. Nonsense. If you know the people well enough to want to share a meal with them, it won’t matter if you live in a palace or a cave. The friendship’s the thing.
— You may think you have to clean house from top to bottom. Nonsense. Your friends are coming to be with you, not to fill out a checklist for Good Housekeeping. Tidy the rooms where you will be and close the doors to the other rooms. No guest is going to open a door that is closed. Clean the bathroom and leave the light on.
— You may say you cannot afford to buy expensive food. Nonsense. “Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fatted calf with hatred” (Proverbs 15:17). Well, there probably wouldn’t be hatred, but you get the point. Simple meals of chili, salad and sandwiches, soup and dessert, etc., might be better received for those watching their waistlines (or those who should be) than an elaborate meal.
— You may say you don’t have the time because you work away from home. Nonsense. Plan your dinner. Shop one day. Set the table another, make as many food dishes ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze as you can. You ought to do that even if you are home all day.
— You may say you don’t have space for a lot of people. Nonsense. Most households don’t. Invite the number that can sit comfortably at your table. I say comfortably because sometimes you can squeeze in another person. No one has ever refused to eat at our house because there were two people at the end of the dining table instead of one. Have a second dinner another day.
Examples of hospitality can be found throughout the Bible. Plan now to show Christian hospitality this year to your pastor, your neighbors, your friends, your fellow church members and others. (If you invite me, I promise not to look behind any closed doors!)
May you and your church have a good 2010 as you worship and witness.