Avizandam. In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters. Avisandum. I had graduated from law school at Edinburgh University, Scotland.
and was about to begin my career in legal practice. I had received an offer to work in a thriving legal practice in central Scotland. but through a series of circumstances which I believe were ordained by God, I had accepted a position in a law firm in the Shetland Islands. These islands are the most northerly islands in Scotland. The only other time I had been there was when I was interviewed for the position.
My first visit to the Chatele Diands. for that interview had been noteworthy. I boarded a ship in Aberdeen, and embarked on a journey of about twelve to fourteen hours. Gale force winds hit us, and we find ourselves in the middle of a huge storm in the North Sea.
Okay. I love the sea, and am not easily sea sick. I found myself alone with two or three others, In the dining room. After all, I had paid for my meal. I arrived safely in the Shetland Islands and was offered a position in the law firm.
So several months later, here I was in the Shetland Islands ready to begin my legal career. My dad had made a wooden box for my few belongings, And I had a couple of cases. That's all I had. I had only a few pounds in my pockets, which were enough to pay for the accommodation in the seamen's mission in Shetland, where I was to stay for my first ten days. I had enjoyed studying law and was now ready to put it into practice.
I was twenty two years old. Other than those who had interviewed me for the position, I knew no one in the Shetland Islands. That first Sunday, before going to the Brethren church, I took a walk around the harbour. There I met a man in his late twenties. This was Arthur Tate, who was to become one of my closest friends.
He was married, attended the same church, and immediately invited me for Sunday lunch. an invitation which I readily accepted. I was to spend many meals with Arthur and his wife Elner. Also at that church many reached out to me and graciously offered me hospitality knowing I was on my own. A widow in the church asked if I'd like to stay in her home.
And I did. The Siemens mission was very basic accommodation. The widow was partially blind. and our cooking was not the best, but this became a home away from home. Again I was shown warm Christian hospitality by people who hardly knew me.
This hospitality provided friendship, stability, security, and an opportunity to meet many others. I narrate the story to show at a practical level the importance of hospitality. The writer of Hebrews says Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. The Apostle Peter writes, Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. In our busy culture hospitality is in danger of becoming a thing of the past.
But hospitality is a way we show Christian love. Both Goon and I were raised in homes which were open to others, including strangers. Although I was raised in a large family, my parents would often invite people into their home. When we lived in Gibraltar, my parents' address was in the Naval Fellowship Directory. This meant that men and women on Her Majesty's ships knew where there was a Christian home in Gibraltar, When their ship came into port.
So it was not unusual for men and women from the Navy, as well as from the Army and Air Force, to turn up at our doorsteps. While their contemporaries were hitting the bars and clubs of Gibraltar, these men and women were receiving Christian hospitality. What is spiritual impact? These men and women had On my brothers and myself.
So when Goody and I married, we decided that our home would be open. Over the years, we've had many hundreds into our home.
Some of them will never forget, others are forgettable. but showing hospitality has enriched our lives. and we trust has been a blessing to others, Showing hospitality is costly in terms of time, energy, and resources. but I encourage you to obey Scripture, and To show hospitality. The vast majority of international students are never in an American's home, we're told.
But what a great opportunity for the people of God to demonstrate the love of Christ to strangers. Consider the ways in which you can show hospitality. You never know. You might be entertaining angels. Avazander.
You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms. For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com/slash the verdict.
