“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb 13:2).

Though the two men appeared to Lot as angels, yet what a half-hearted welcome he gave them. Lot knew that these men were angels, but he stood where he was to welcome them. He gives them no mention of food, though he gives them water to wash their feet. He told the angels. “You stay here and go away in the morning” (Gen 19:2). However, the angels said: “We will abide in the street” (Gen 19:2). They were quite willing to stay in the street all night because of the half-hearted welcome given by Lot. They knew that the wife and children of Lot were not of one mind with him, and therefore the angels were not willing to go inside, so Lot had to press them to do so.

We read that Lot himself “baked unleavened bread, and they did eat.” Lot had chosen to stay very near Sodom. The result was that his own people became full of worldly pleasures. Many believers lose their joy and happiness because they are attracted by worldly honor and wealth and glamour. Abraham received those guests because he thought they were God’s messengers. He received them as strangers at first. That should be our attitude also: to receive even strangers in His name with great joy.

___By Vivek Anand