Therefore not single persons, as formerly, but entire families are now in exile because of their confession of the Word. It is a crime not to help these. – Martin Luther, Lectures on Genesis (Chapter 18)
Martin Luther’s Lectures on Genesis contain some of his most compelling teachings about who the church is called to be in the world. Reflecting on the story of Abraham, Luther stakes out his claim that the church is called to be an agent of hospitality in an often inhospitable world. It’s an account worth reflecting on today, as we commemorate with others around the globe World Refugee Day.
An “Unparalleled” Example
Luther’s teachings on hospitality come in his lecture on the 18th chapter of Genesis, which tells the story of Abraham playing host to three visitors. As he is cooling off in the heat of the day, Abraham sees three men approaching. Immediately,
“he ran from the tent entrance to meet them and bowed down to the ground. He said, ‘My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.’ So they said, ‘Do as you have said.’ And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, ‘Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.’ Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate” (Genesis 18:2b-8).