Entertaining Angels

by HICKLING, D. | Category: The Ministry Of Angels | Nov 2007

So far in this series we have been looking at the nature of angelic beings, and some of the things they do. In many of the descriptions of angelic activity described for us in Scripture, it is clear that an angel is involved, on a mission on God's behalf. However, Heb.13:2 instructs us: ‘Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.’

The book of Hebrews opens by emphasizing the proper perspective we should have in considering angels, the messengers of God, as compared to the Son, the last Word of the Father. Jesus is exalted as the radiance of God's Glory (Heb.1:3), whereas of angels it says, ‘Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?’ (v14) So we are not to seek after the experience of meeting angels, but rather seek the Lord, and accept that angels are servants of God, just as we are (see Rev.22:8,9).

We have only a small number of occasions in Scripture when angels have appeared to men and been 'entertained' by them. The first of these is recorded in Genesis 18, when Abraham was camped by the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he had an altar to the LORD. He lived there with his allies; the men who helped him rescue Lot when he had been taken captive. He was living in the land where God had called him, and kept company with men of integrity. Abraham knew the right way to treat strangers, as he himself was an alien in a foreign land (Gen.17:8)

Abraham firstly notices the three men (as he thought) and determines to show them hospitality. This was normal practice among the nomadic peoples of the area, but Abraham does so without any reluctance. He hurries to serve them, and provides a generous meal, after refreshing their feet with water. Doesn't it remind us of the Lord Jesus, washing the disciples’ feet and sharing a meal with them? And one of these three appears to be the Lord himself, in one of His pre-incarnation appearances! ‘It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master’ (Mat.10:25).

What about us? Are we too proud to put ourselves out in service to others? Abraham was privileged to be able to serve the Lord, without knowing it. Jesus said that when those who have helped the sick, homeless or hungry receive their reward, ‘The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'’ (Mat.25:40). We may be able to entertain angels unawares, but we should serve men or angels ‘wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men’ (Eph.6:7).

It was not by chance that the angels were there. The word angel literally means 'messenger', and Abraham was to receive a message from the Lord concerning the son to be born to his wife Sarah. As we open our homes to entertain others with a servant heart we must be ready to listen to the voice of God. Let us not be like Martha, who was distracted by the many preparations she busied herself with, but rather listen like Mary for the voice of the Lord (Luke 10:38-42).

At some point Abraham realized that before him was the Lord Himself. As the Lord had drawn near to him, so he was able to plead for the people of Sodom. This wicked city was also to receive a visit from the two angels. Their reception by Lot was as it should be, in terms of them being offered the chance to refresh themselves and have a bed for the night. However, Lot's strong insistence may have been because he did not like the idea of them spending the night in the square, knowing as he did the character of the place.

What a contrast! Abraham was dwelling in a wholesome place, a place of worship, and with good companions. Lot had chosen to live side by side with depravity and wickedness. What starts out as simple hospitality becomes ugly, as the mob surround the house, seeking to abuse Lot's guests. The situation deteriorates to such an extent that he even offers his own daughters to the crowd to appease them. In the end the angels have to grab Lot and his wife and daughters and lead them out of the city to safety.

Read again the context of Hebrews 13:2. Chapter 12 concludes with the exhortation to ‘worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."’ Chapter 13 then encourages us to watch our conduct and teachings carefully. It is in this spirit of holiness, meek service and obedience that we are to 'entertain strangers'. Then we will be ready for anyone, whether it be men, angels, or the Lord Himself!

(All Bible quotations are from the NIV.)

HICKLING, D. | Nov 2007
The Ministry Of Angels