Brief Encounters — A LifeWords Devotion

Hebrews 13:1-2

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (NIV)

We are not quite sure about angels. Some see them as spiritual beings, as winged creatures beyond human form. Others see them as anyone who is sent across our path as a sort of messenger from God. The word “angel” means “messenger” in the original language.

It would seem our text today might be taking the second view. We can hardly meet up with the traditional type of angel without knowing it! We are urged to be hospitable to strangers because it may just be those strangers are messengers from God. We need to pay attention to those who come across our path because it might be that God wants to convey something of importance to us through our encounter with them.

This way of thinking can change the way see others, especially those we may not know well or know at all. Instead of seeing them as nuisances, or trying to avoid them, it may be best to pay close attention to them. Of course, not all strangers are “angels” in this way. But some might be. A seemingly brief encounter may shed light on what plans God has for our life.

God has all sorts of ways and means of getting through to us. And they can include the most unlikely people in the most unlikely situations.