Read: Hebrews 13:2-16
Some have entertained angels unawares. (v. 2)
As we have seen throughout this series, God’s angels have offered protection, hospitality, victory, comfort, good news, freedom, and wisdom to humans since the beginning. Although this devotional plan has focused on angels specifically as heavenly beings who work out the plans of God and show us what it looks like to worship and obey God, the word angel simply means “messenger.” With this in mind, in what ways might we be angels—messengers of hope, comfort, hospitality, and good news—to one another?
In today’s passage, it is significant to note that at the top of an extensive list of ways to show brotherly love to one another, the author of Hebrews exhorts the church to extend hospitality to strangers, “for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (v. 2). It is amazing to realize that not only is it possible to care for angels on earth without knowing it, but also that we will worship and serve God along with the angels for eternity.
One act of hospitality we can show to heavenly angels today is simply to remember that they exist, are committed to God and therefore are committed to us as God’s beloved children. Remember that angels take joy in our victories (Luke 15:10) and sorrow in our suffering (Zech. 1:12). And to one another, may we be messengers of God’s truth, peace, and goodness on earth, welcoming all into the heavenly family of God.
As you pray, thank God for sending us his angels. Ask for an ever-deepening awareness of the kingdom of heaven on earth and how you might live into that reality here and now.
Katelyn J. Dixon is a contemplative writer, speaker, and poet living in the Seattle area. In her free time, Katelyn enjoys cooking, photography, and exploring the enchanting Pacific Northwest with her husband, Drew, while partnering with him in life and ministry.
