Sometimes, it’s about setting aside your own prestige, your own sense of self-importance, to serve. To truly see the other person’s needs.
We find a beautiful example of this in the story of Jethro’s arrival to the Israelite camp. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, wasn't just any visitor. He was a priest of Midian, and his arrival marked a significant moment.
The celebration was immense! The text in Legends of the Jews tells us that it was marked with sacrifices and a grand feast. Interestingly, Jethro himself offered a burnt offering, and according to the text it happened near the very burning bush where God had first spoken to Moses. A powerful moment, right?
But here's the part that really grabbed me. Moses, the leader of the Israelites, didn't stand on ceremony. He didn't delegate. He personally waited on the guests!
Can you imagine? The man who spoke to God, who led his people out of slavery, serving food and drink. That image really speaks volumes.
The text also points out that Moses wasn't acting out of the blue. He was following the example of Abraham. Remember the story of the three angels who appeared to Abraham? According to Legends of the Jews, Abraham waited on them personally, even though they appeared as "idolatrous Arabs."
What a detail!
It highlights a profound idea: hospitality transcends appearances and even beliefs. Abraham, the patriarch, humbled himself to serve strangers, recognizing their inherent worth.
And this is where it gets even more interesting. Both Abraham and Moses, we're told, sought to emulate God's ways. To provide for everyone's needs, regardless of their righteousness or lack thereof. To give to each what they lacked. It’s a radical concept, isn’t it?
Even the "idolater," the one who, through their actions, brings God's wrath upon themselves, deserves to be met with kindness and provision. This isn’t about condoning wrong actions, but rather about recognizing the fundamental human need that exists within everyone.
It makes you think: What does it truly mean to follow in the ways of God? Is it about judgment and exclusion, or about radical hospitality and selfless service? The stories of Abraham and Moses suggest the latter. They challenge us to look beyond appearances and prejudices, to see the inherent worth in every individual, and to offer what we can, without hesitation.
So, the next time you have the opportunity to welcome someone, remember Moses and Abraham. Remember the feast, the burnt offering, and the simple act of waiting on guests. Maybe that’s where true holiness lies – in the everyday acts of kindness and service.