Devotional: Angels Unawares: Hebrews 13:2

I did not know much about computers. Maybe if I go to the computer lab I might find someone to help me. I needed to assess the projected schedule for the classes that I will need to take in the next three years in order to get my degree. I enter the computer lab. I see a tall young man that I had never seen before. I asked him if he knew how to use the computers; could he look up the projected schedule for my degree program for the next three years. The young man answered that he could. He took me to one of the computers and assessed the program. I glanced at it, and I saw that the scheduled was indeed online as the professor had said it would be. I thanked the young man. He acknowledged my words of thanks. He walked away. I had never seen this young man before, and I have never seen this young man again. Later, I thought: I did not tell him my name, and I had not asked him his named. Who was this young man? Regardless to whom he was, for me, he had been a messenger of good news. Was he an angel?

In Hebrews 13 the author exhorts the church in matters of interpersonal relationships in the church. The guiding principle for how they should treat one another is love (Hebrews 13:1). In verse 2 the author writes: Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it” (1:2). Showing hospitality is always in order because we often interact with people that we do not know. God sends to us angels that tell us good news. The story of Abraham entertaining three strangers is an example (See Genesis 18).

We often think of angels as being white in color, having wings to fly around and do things for God. The Greek word for “angels” is “aggelos,” meaning to bring tidings, a messenger, and pastor. As in Genesis 18, Abraham entertains three men. It is not until later in the story that we learn that these three men are angels, that is, they are messengers from God. The messenger assures Abraham and his wife Sarah that Sarah would give birth to a son. They would destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

I must be careful how I talk to people, and how I treat them. I must show hospitality to all people; especially strangers. I may be talking to an angel unaware.

Prayer: Thank you God for the angels that you send my way. Amen.