11/24 Hebrews 13:2

² Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Abraham was sitting in the door of his tent when three strangers appeared. He immediately asked them if they would stay under the shade of the tree and allow him to give them water and prepare a meal for them. These men were two angels and the LORD, but they had the appearance of men (Genesis 18:1-8).

I have heard numerous stories of people being rescued, warned, encouraged, or aided by a stranger who seemed to vanish. A wife of one of the elders in our church had an inexplicable encounter at a time when she needed encouragement. There is even a periodical which reports such encounters people have had. Some of these may be good Samaritans, but many may well be actual encounters with angels.

The author of Hebrews tells us these beings are sent to minister to the heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Our verse today tells us this is a good reason to be hospitable to strangers. That traveler you assist may be there to assist you.

Consider: The physical realm is permeated with the spiritual realm. While we don't need to hunt for angels or demons, we do need to realize that things aren't always what they seem. Thank God for angelic assistance, and don't discount another's story of supernatural aid.