Stranger! - Stranger?

THE TWO WAY STREET




Many times we make the mistake of trying to reach out only to others just because they are like us or because we have a lot in common. While refusing to be hospitable and accept others of a different identity.

You and I want to be accepted and recognized as persons even though we are different in our origin, decisions concerning life, aptitudes, temperments etc.

concerning hospitality Jesus taught:

Lk 10:30 And Jesus, answering him, said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he got into the hands of thieves, who took his clothing and gave him cruel blows, and when they went away, he was half dead.

Lk 10:36 Which of these three men, in your opinion, was neighbour to the man who came into the hands of thieves?

Another thing - Young people are especially despised..

Apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy, he said, “Let no one despise your youth” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Like wise do not despise others simply because they are younger than you are.

Yet another thing - identifying because of pride, self worth and personal benefit.

Jesus did not choose the 12 apostles because of because of their reputation or their achievements - talents, education etc that they would contribute to His ministry or social rating.

End thoughts;

• But when the Son of man comes in his glory, ...32 And before him all the nations will come together; and they will be parted one from another, as the sheep are parted from the goats,...Then will the King say to those on his right, Come, you who have the blessing of my Father, into the kingdom made ready for you before the world ..35 For I was in need of food, and you gave it to me: I was in need of drink, and you gave it to me: I was a stranger, and you took me in;
• Is 53:3-6, Men made sport of him (Jesus), turning away from him; he was a man of sorrows, marked by disease; and like one from whom men's faces are turned away, he was looked down on, and we put no value on him. But it was our pain he took, and our diseases were put on him: while to us he seemed as one diseased, on whom God's punishment had come. But it was for our sins he was wounded, and for our evil doings he was crushed: he took the punishment by which we have peace, and by his wounds we are made well. We all went wandering like sheep; going every one of us after his desire; and the Lord put on him the punishment of us all.