Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 (ESV)
A few evenings ago, Carol and I were invited to supper. It was our first time to be in their home. Along with a delicious meal, everything around them spoke for them… the welcoming entrance, the vaulted ceiling, the open expansiveness of the kitchen, the dining room table that could comfortably seat more than 20… these folks were all about receptiveness and embracing others.
And they seemed happy to receive and embrace us, too. They asked about us. We got to know each other better. There was more going on than just small talk. It was intentional, but not invasive or agenda-driven… a challenge at times for the best of us.
The four of us are committed to following Jesus. It was enriching to share our widely different paths to serving him while at the same time celebrating the commonality of the Spirit’s work in each of us. There was plenty of joyfulness… and a keeping-it-real attitude all around.
The Two H’s
Hospitality and humility go hand in hand. Together, they become a Jesus thing. I don’t see how you can have one without the other. These two qualities fleshed out before our eyes are critical from the outset of our Christian walk. The refreshing of spirit and the strengthening we need in order to thrive begin here.
Remember when you first came to Christ? I look back and smile when I think about people who made us feel welcome, granted us fridge privileges and answered our dumb questions without wincing.
Sobremesa… one Spanish word comprised of two: sobre (over) and mesa (table).
It’s one of our sharpest tools for serving Jesus purposefully and loving people unconditionally. It will open doors like little else can for lasting relationship. It is an essential element for growing bona fide disciples. You can’t grow a disciple without availability, openness, humility, mutual accountability… and lots of food and hugs.