Angels Unawares

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)

Our family has the privilege of hosting an exchange student from Germany. Initially, I was not in favor of this, mostly due to selfishness and insecurity. After all, my youngest of three is a senior. I have worked hard and I am tired; tired from parenting. I did not want any distractions this year; I wanted to focus on my family and the moments of our last high school experiences together. The feeling of insecurity came from the fear of someone living behind the closed doors of our home. She will see us as we are; loving and kind, tired and grumpy, our ups and downs, the good and the bad. I was not so sure I was willing to risk my testimony. If I changed my lifestyle and behavior to entertain this stranger, maybe my Christianity was not real before she came. My kids would be watching. I want my life to leave an impression, but in this situation I was afraid I would be trying to impress.

After three weeks of adjustments for us all, I felt emotionally drained and ecstatic at the same time. As I curled up on the couch with a cup of coffee, I asked God to calm my heart. The words of this verse came to my mind and I scrambled to look it up and figure out the meaning for me. The Greek translation of angel in this passage is messenger; people, not angelic beings. And, entertain strangers means being friendly to those who you don't know. It can be a total stranger you meet along your way, someone who is in your home briefly, or hosting a stranger in your household. What a great reminder for us to show the love of Christ in any role we may find ourselves in. It also brought to mind that we as Christians are to be hospitable. We can be messengers as chosen ones of God, giving of ourselves in a way which few want to give, with the love of God as our example. The feeling of calm began to sweep over me and I was feeling pretty good about my sacrifice, generosity, hospitality, and Christianity.

My prideful moment did not last very long. I did not feel peace about my perception of this passage so I reread it again, this time using names. ".for by doing so, Janet, some people (like me) have entertained messengers without knowing it." Suddenly, I realized I was not the messenger; my exchange student was. She has a message for me! As I reflected on the last three weeks and remembered her profile indicated she had no religious background, I was amazed at the ease of strength and determination she displayed in her new life circumstances. I could not send my teenage daughter across the ocean, yet her mother told me she believed God would care for her. Would I have remained calm knowing I had to enter my host home without any of my personal belongings because the airlines left them in Chicago? Would I be sweet, helpful and outgoing in the home of a stranger, or would I hide away in my room feeling insecure, wondering if I would fit in with the family and with the students in a new school? Who possessed greater character here? I felt sure it was her.

Thanks to the grace and love of my heavenly Father, He hugged me, and I felt His peace sweep over me. I have His example, His Word and His forgiveness. His strength and promises are mine. I will strive to trust Him more because of this message, and pray that the seeds He allows our family to plant in a stranger's life will blossom for His glory.

Heavenly Father, help us to reach out to the strangers in our lives and be messengers of Your love. Keep us aware of the messages You have for us.

Janet Stutzman