No, its not an exotic flower, although it is not common and its beauty and fragrance are a delight to those who find it. It is also one of the things in which God takes a great delight.
Philoxenia means “love to strangers” and is translated as “hospitality” in the New Testament. The word is only found, of course, in the New Testament, but its practice is found throughout the Old. Its meaning can also encompass love for those who are not strangers, but that is not its main thrust, and it is in relation to strangers that you will find the direct connection with the Old Testament. So then, the concept we are considering is that of caring for the needs of others, especially strangers.
It is interesting to note that the first instance of hospitality in Scripture (Gen. 14:18) involves the person of Melchizedek, one who is utilized as a graphic picture of Christ. Abraham, returning exhausted from the battle of the northern kings, is met by Melchizedek who sustains him with bread and wine. He also prepares him for the upcoming summit with the king of Sodom by fortifying his soul, reminding him that he is the man who depends on “the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth.”
The next incidence is found in chapter 18 when Abraham sees three strangers approaching. His immediate reaction is to run and invite them to his tent for rest and refreshment. As the story progresses, we find that two of the three people are angels in human form and the third is none other than the Son of God. So from the beginning of the Scripture record, we find that God has identified Himself with hospitality.
From then until the giving of the Law to Israel, hospitality to strangers and visitors seems to have been a point of honor.
When the Law was given, hospitality, or love to strangers as it is called, became a legal and moral–if not a sacred–obligation for the Israelites. God lays the foundation for this in Exodus 22:21 and 23:9 where He says, “Thou shalt not oppress a stranger; for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
Empathy is the word that comes to mind here. Defined as “the power to enter into the feeling or spirit of others,” it would seem to describe the concept of true hospitality, “for ye know the heart of a stranger.” It is not just the mechanical supplying of someone’s need, but feeling, and by that experiencing, the need of others.
These verses deal in a negative way in that they say, “Thou shalt not vex or oppress,” but they lay the foundation for what is to follow in Leviticus 19:34, “But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you and thou shalt love him as thyself for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” We find, then, two reasons for showing hospitality, “because ye were strangers,” and “I am the Lord your God.”
It is not given to all to experience being a stranger in a strange land, but the other reason is inescapable, “I am the Lord your God.” It seems that God wishes to express Himself through hospitality, especially to His people. This is further emphasized in Deuteronomy 10:18-19 “(God) loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger.”
Love for the stranger was also part of worship. Deutteronomy 26:12-13 states: “When thou hast made an end of tithing…and hast given it unto…the stranger …then shalt thou say before the Lord…”
Within our church fellowship, we often have opportunity to show hospitality, in the care of visiting speakers, for example. This in itself can be a tremendous blessing to you and your children as they grow up in a home where such ministrations are performed. Preachers are ordinary people and usually eat ordinary food. The only extra thing they usually need is a few quiet moments to rest and prepare for their next meeting.
It may be that your assembly has some students who attend. They will surely appreciate a home-cooked meal as will the single people. Next time you prepare your Sunday dinner, make a little extra in case the Lord sends a visitor to your care that morning. If it happens to be a local speaker that day, why not invite the family who do most of the hosting and give them a rest. True, there is extra work and expense, but the rewards are great. Some have entertained angels unawares (Heb. 13:2). A cup of cold water will have its reward (Mt. 10:41-42).
The final reference we have to hospitality is indeed final. Matthew 25:34-46 reads, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” And so from start to finish, God puts His stamp of approval on hospitality. Therefore we neglect to do it at our own loss. Don’t forget it is stated to be a requirement for those who would be elders in the church (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8) and also for those who would be considered for financial support, should the need arise (1 Tim. 5:10).
Let us then begin to express this love that the Lord has for others so that He will have the glory. “…that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mt. 5:16).
Enjoy the fragrance!