Courageous Hospitality
The Kingdom of Jesus stays busy with scandalous banquets of sinners and saints, and thus we will do the same. Whether someone is pursuing a life of crime or simply thinks differently than us we desire to welcome all.
Experiencing the hospitality of God.
Welcoming the stranger as friend.
In Luke 19, there is a peculiar story about a tax collector and a messiah. The tax collector, Zacchaeus, was not the mild-mannered accountant we may picture today. He was an enforcer for the Roman government collecting exorbitant taxes from his neighbors; all the while helping himself to something extra.
Zacchaeus was not the dinner guest the Messiah should be hosting. Zacchaeus was not the dinner guest anyone should be hosing. Yet when Jesus arrives in Zaccheaus’ hometown, he calls out to Zacchaeus from his perch in a Sycamore tree;
“Come down immediately! I must stay at your house today.” –Luke 19:5
The example of Jesus is one of courageous hospitality calling “friend” those no one else would. In a simple act of initiating friendship and a conversation over dinner Zacchaeus’ turned away from his crooked ways.
It is in a moment with our King, that all of our lives are transformed; may we work to provide that opportunity to all.
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