Divine Hospitality | Retreat session 3
Divine Hospitality
Addressed thus far: Hospitality toward those inside; toward those outside
Need to consider a third hospitality focus—the source, motivation & power for these two
1John 4:19 – “We love because He first loved us”; likewise, “We’re hospitable because…”
Theme from Genesis to Revelation
Eden – God prepares a place… He is host… provides abundant food
[Gen. 1 – Immediately after “Be fruitful and multiply… fill the earth… have dominion…” – “Behold! Your menu…” (every green plant, all kinds of fruit)]
[Chester: “The world is more delicious than it needs to be”]
Theme of hospitality in Jesus:
Meal-time ministry (“the Son of Man came eating and drinking”); breakfast for disciples on beach; earlier – feeds 5,000; speaks of marriage feast to come; hosts last supper
“Welcome to the new creation! Join me for dinner! Come as you are!”
Hospitality – Gk. philoxenia, lit. “love to strangers”
[Merriam Webster: “generous and friendly treatment of visitor and guests”]
We were “strangers”—estranged from God
Jesus puts us on his guest list, sends invitation, opens locked door, receives, washes & anoints us, feeds… [generous, friendly treatment of enemies!]
A God of hospitality!
Salvation pictured as feast (6 passages):
Psalm 23:5-6
[5] You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
[6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Isaiah 25:6
“On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples
a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine,
of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.”
Isaiah 55:1-2
[55:1] “Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
[2] Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
Luke 15:20-24
“… But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.” [Father represents God, welcoming the rebel!]
Luke 22:14-15, 19-20
[14] And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. [15] And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer… [19] And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” [20] And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
Revelation 19:6-9
[6] [Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,]
“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
[7] Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready…”
[9] “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb”
From Eden to Eternity [world at its dawning to new world to come]
- Chester: “God created the world so that we might eat with him.”
Ultimate hospitality:
- Christ opens the door to God’s house through His own death
- He invites us in: “Come…” (Matt. 11:28; Jn. 7:37, Is. 55:1-2)
- Jesus himself is food and drink to us [“I am the bread of life”; “If anyone is thirsty”]
This makes a difference in our lives…
Divine hospitality makes us hospitable
Rom. 15:7 – “Therefore welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you”
Experiencing His welcome inclines us to welcome others (inside, outside)
Experiencing His love inclines our hearts to love others [brothers & sisters, strangers, neighbors]
New heart!
Celebration of Lord’s Supper
Jesus is here; He is our host! He receives us—no matter who we are!
Graciously provides food [we’re reminded of our dependence on Him]
Draws us into an experience of connecting, communing, enjoying…