Israel was in captivity in the hands of the Philistines. They had done what was evil in the sight of God. In their state of oppression, they cried to God for help. God sent an angel to Manoah as the to-be father of Samson the birth of Samson who would deliver them in future. Upon receiving the message from a presumed man of God rather than an angel, Judges 13: 15 says Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “Allow us to detain you, and prepare a kid for you.”
Purpose of Manoah’s message
Manoah’s message was a show of hospitality. He was unaware that the presumed messenger of God was actually an angel of God to announce the person through whom Israel was to be delivered from the Philistines. Hebrews 13: 2 says do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. The apostle Peter also said in 1Peter 4: 9 be hospitable to one another without complaining.
Why should we be hospitable?
Paul explained why we should be hospitable. Romans 13: 3 says rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad… do what is good, and will receive its approval. In like manner, God approves and rewards hospitality to the needy because he cares, it is his nature to be kind and it honours him. Hebrews 13: 16 says do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Empty talk does not please God. James 2: 16 says if one says “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? (paraphrased)
Objects of biblical detention
We detain for two reasons, either to show hospitality; or to receive hospitality. Some of us always want to receive. Pharaoh exploited the Israelites during slavery so he never wanted them to leave. His object of detention was thus exploitative and selfish. God said to Moses in Exodus 3: 19 I know, however, that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. God does not subscribe to such detaining precepts. Proverbs 11: 24-25 say some give freely, yet grow all richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want. A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.
For those who detain for the purpose of giving, Jesus said in Mark 4: 24 the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. Detaining with a good heart has a reward. Acts 20: 25 says it is more blessed to give than to receive. In giving, we rather show hospitality to God. Titus 1: 8 says be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled. Giving, devoid of these qualities will not attract God’s attention. In Genesis 32: 24 Jacob wrestled with the angel until daybreak. Will we also detain God’s angels for our personal joy without giving anything in return?
What Jesus said about hospitality
Jesus said in Luke 6: 33-34 if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. When we are detained by the Holy Spirit, we receive divine liberty. So Jesus said in Matthew 11: 28, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Jesus therefore showed unrestrained hospitality to the world of sinners. What Jesus wants is a generous heart without compulsion. Are we generous to strangers?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, just as you bled and died to save us, please help us to be generous to strangers and to those in need not counting the cost. Let our objective be to give rather than to receive. Give us the heart to ask to detain in order to give so we may receive freely from you. Forgive us our selfishness and greed and save our souls today in your holy name, Amen!!
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