A Man After God’s Heart: Embracing the Hospitality of God’s Heart
What is a man after God’s own heart?
If, as the apostle John supposed, the world itself could not contain the books necessary to tell of all that Jesus did, could the universe hold the volumes needed to describe God‘s heart?
Narrowing the focus, let’s concentrate on an aspect of God’s heart that we all have the ability to do: be hospitable.
1 Peter 4:9 tells us to; “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” Also, in 1 Timothy 3:2 being hospitable is one of the qualifications for leadership.
Could any of us argue that God is not generous with his time and resources? God, who provided a finely tuned environment in which we thrive alongside the rest of creation. Aren’t we the sheep of His pasture?
God was hospitable to grumbling complaining Hebrews providing manna from heaven, water from a rock, and ultimately, a land flowing with milk and honey.
God was hospitable to a sin sick world when he gave Emmanuel, God with us, also known as the Bread of Life.
Jesus saved a wedding planner’s career by turning water into wine. By multiplying fish and loaves he turned individual lunches into banquets for thousands. Jesus healed lepers, making it possible for them to return to normal life. Do you have any idea how important The Feasts are to Jewish life?
Jesus took the bread and wine, blessed it, and said “this is my body,“ and then, “this is my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” And he will not drink wine again until the marriage supper, in the Father’s kingdom where we will all be raising a glass and toasting our Host.
Revelation, 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with me.” Imagine, our God, all powerful and yet humble enough to bring his hospitality door to door.
So, be hospitable, for your Father in heaven is also hospitable. Amen.
Devotional written by: Robert Berns, Triumph of Hope Partner
To have a heart like Mary’s is nothing natural at all. Before we talk about her immediate reaction when approached by the angel Gabriel, let’s remember that she was young (probably 14-15 years old), poor, and engaged to Joseph. These characteristics would make her seem quite unsuitable for much of any big task–but God! Gabriel was clear in his message, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you…You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you will give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 28-32). Three points stand out which mark Mary’s immediate supernatural reaction: 1) Mary believed God. 2) Mary feared God more than man. 3) Mary promptly and willfully obeyed God.