2 Kings 4:8–10, Acts 16:14–15
Elisha went on to Shunem,where a wealthy woman lived,who urged him to eat some food. – 2 Kings 4:8a
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Hospitality can seem like a small and ordinary act. We welcome someone into our home, prepare a meal, offer a place to stay, or make someone feel comfortable. Yet Scripture shows us that such ordinary acts can become part of God’s extraordinary work.
In 2 Kings 4, a well-to-do woman from Shunem noticed that the prophet Elisha often passed by her town. She recognised him as “a holy man of God” and invited him to eat with her. Her hospitality did not stop there. She persuaded her husband to build a small room for Elisha, complete with a bed, table, chair and lamp, so that whenever he came by, he would have a place to stay.
In Acts 16, we meet another woman whose hospitality became part of God’s work. Lydia, a merchant who had come to faith in Christ through Paul’s preaching, opened her home to Paul and his companions. After being baptised with her household, she urged them to stay at her house, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay”
There is something striking about both women. Their hospitality began with recognition. The Shunammite recognised God’s servant. Lydia recognised the importance of Paul and his companions in the work of the gospel. Their hospitality was therefore more than friendliness or generosity. They saw an opportunity to participate in what God was doing.
And they responded with what they had. The Shunammite had the means to prepare a room. Lydia had a home she could open. Neither woman needed to do something spectacular. They simply made room for God’s work through the resources God had entrusted to them.
This reminds us that there are many ways to participate in God’s mission. Not everyone preaches, teaches, leads or travels. Some serve by opening their homes. Some prepare home-cooked food for the upcoming Alpha. Some offer a place of rest. Some welcome a newcomer who feels alone. Some create a space where others can encounter the love of Christ.
Hospitality, then, is not merely about having a welcoming personality or a well-prepared home. It is about asking, “Lord, how can what You have entrusted to me become a blessing to Your people and a means of advancing Your work?” Our homes, time, possessions and resources ultimately belong to God. When we open our lives to others, we are not simply being generous; we are making room for God’s work.
There are many ways to participate in God’s work. The question is not whether we can do what they did, but what God has placed in our hands and how we can use it for His purposes.
Reflection:
• Who has God placed around me whom I could welcome or encourage?
• How can I use what God has entrusted to me—my home, time, resources or gifts—to participate in His work?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for all that You have entrusted to us. Give us eyes to recognise where You are at work and willing hearts to participate. Teach us to use our homes, time and resources to bless others and advance Your kingdom. Make us people who are ready to make room for Your work and Your people. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Click to read passage
Hospitality can seem like a small and ordinary act. We welcome someone into our home, prepare a meal, offer a place to stay, or make someone feel comfortable. Yet Scripture shows us that such ordinary acts can become part of God’s extraordinary work.
In 2 Kings 4, a well-to-do woman from Shunem noticed that the prophet Elisha often passed by her town. She recognised him as “a holy man of God” and invited him to eat with her. Her hospitality did not stop there. She persuaded her husband to build a small room for Elisha, complete with a bed, table, chair and lamp, so that whenever he came by, he would have a place to stay.
In Acts 16, we meet another woman whose hospitality became part of God’s work. Lydia, a merchant who had come to faith in Christ through Paul’s preaching, opened her home to Paul and his companions. After being baptised with her household, she urged them to stay at her house, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay”
There is something striking about both women. Their hospitality began with recognition. The Shunammite recognised God’s servant. Lydia recognised the importance of Paul and his companions in the work of the gospel. Their hospitality was therefore more than friendliness or generosity. They saw an opportunity to participate in what God was doing.
And they responded with what they had. The Shunammite had the means to prepare a room. Lydia had a home she could open. Neither woman needed to do something spectacular. They simply made room for God’s work through the resources God had entrusted to them.
This reminds us that there are many ways to participate in God’s mission. Not everyone preaches, teaches, leads or travels. Some serve by opening their homes. Some prepare home-cooked food for the upcoming Alpha. Some offer a place of rest. Some welcome a newcomer who feels alone. Some create a space where others can encounter the love of Christ.
Hospitality, then, is not merely about having a welcoming personality or a well-prepared home. It is about asking, “Lord, how can what You have entrusted to me become a blessing to Your people and a means of advancing Your work?” Our homes, time, possessions and resources ultimately belong to God. When we open our lives to others, we are not simply being generous; we are making room for God’s work.
There are many ways to participate in God’s work. The question is not whether we can do what they did, but what God has placed in our hands and how we can use it for His purposes.
Reflection:
• Who has God placed around me whom I could welcome or encourage?
• How can I use what God has entrusted to me—my home, time, resources or gifts—to participate in His work?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for all that You have entrusted to us. Give us eyes to recognise where You are at work and willing hearts to participate. Teach us to use our homes, time and resources to bless others and advance Your kingdom. Make us people who are ready to make room for Your work and Your people. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.