Hospitality Unmatched

“What do you need?” Remember when Jesus asked Bartimaeus this? His question was actually an invitation. He knew the answer was Him. It’s always Him. But he asked anyway, delighting in the opportunity to help Bartimaeus, and you, and me, all of us to see that all we need is wrapped up in Him. He healed Bartimaeus’ eyes yes, but He gave him far more that day, too.

Invitation.

Perhaps I love hospitality for that reason. It is an invitation. An invitation one extends to another,

“Come in! Stay awhile.”
“You are welcome here.”
“I want to know you.”
Can I offer you a drink, a meal, a place to lay your head?”

It reminds me of Jesus, except that His invitation is altogether perfect. No conditions. No expiration. Lovingly perfect. Holy and wholly satisfying.

“Would you like everlasting life with the One who knit every part of you?”

“Would you like water that will quench your thirst forever?”

“Do you want abundant life?”

“Come to my Father’s house where there are many rooms.”

“Forgiveness I offer. Relationship, too. Freedom forever, promised and true.”

“Are you wandering and wondering and really unsure? I am a Good Shepherd who gently guides. Will you follow?”

No coercion, domineering, or manipulative control.

But an invitation extended.

And you, me, we get to receive that invitation and hold it dearly. We have a seat at the table. Isn’t that incredible? We are invited to take our seat at His table.

And I’m marveling at this today. This is a hospitality unmatched.