(3John 1:1-6) “The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers; and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God”. (NASB)
Over the past couple of Sundays we’ve had the privilege of having one of our fellow elders fill the pulpit at Grace Community Church in Wasco. David Garza delivered a message centering on Biblical hospitality using the short book of 3rd John as the main text. He brought forward many good thoughts in remarkable detail. Much more frankly than I can hope to recall much less convey to you here but some of its essence I’d like to share with you.
David pointed first to the origin of hospitality as a practical matter of travel back in ancient times when there just wasn’t “A light on for you” at the Motel 6. Travelers had to hope for a friendly welcome from strangers as they passed through. They had to hope for something to eat, a place to sleep and protection from bad people. It was also important to send them off with enough supplies to make the next leg of their journey. With this said, hospitality has very practical and necessary roots which are to be carried forward in the church today.
Fast forward to John’s letter addressed to Gaius, one of the church leaders. John commends Gaius for his practice of hospitality toward strangers, fellow believers passing through the region in need of a place to stay and a meal. As in the ancient example, Gaius sent these folks off with ample supplies it seems since John says they were sent away, “In a manner worthy of God”.
There was in this congregation on the other hand a Grinch of sorts. He was just the opposite of Gaius and objected to being hospitable. John was not kind in his description of him. In the brevity of this format I’ll not go into detail on that. What I would like to point out is what to look for in the modern equivalent of Gaius.
Gaius was a church leader, an elder or pastor. He was the one opening his home and extending the hospitality or maybe extending the hospitality on behalf of the local group of believers. Regardless, as the leaders of a local church go, so goes the church. Look at the way leaders open their homes or facilitate fellowship for the flock. Are they happy to put on an apron and fire up the BBQ? Do they welcome the kids to a pool party over the summer? Do they break out the popcorn maker and suggest a movie night under the stars for anyone in the community to watch? The list could go on and on. If church leaders are hospitable the odds are the church will be hospitable and that’s just a nice place to be. AMEN!
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