Undergirders - Hospitality Undergirds a Life of Faith
40 "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; 42 and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple -- truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward." (Matthew 10:40-42)
This passage from Matthew ends Jesus' instructions as he sends the twelve disciples to minister - sharing the good news and healing. Jesus extends the extreme grace given to his most faithful to all who welcome and undergird them. Those who may be nameless to us are just as known, seen, valued and gifted by God as those who are out in front. No one is forgotten or overlooked.
How many hands and hearts shape our lives, encourage us, and give us what we need to carry on? Most likely, they are too numerous to count. It's good to know that God sees and knows all, but we also should strive to notice and bless those who bless us - rather they bless in ways that make us smile, or with correction that's hard to hear. Hospitality undergirds a life of faith. Seeking to notice those who enhance our lives will make our own lives brighter, and striving to be that blessing for others will make the whole world brighter.
15 Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of your countenance; 16 they exult in your name all day long, and extol your righteousness. 17 For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted. 18 For our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel. (Psalm 89:15-18)
For my writing on the Genesis 22 passage for this week, please read my post from 2017:
