by Pastor Peter Bean
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Read Genesis 23:1–20
If you have been reading the story of Abraham carefully this week, you’ll have noticed that among all the horrible bits is a story of hospitality. In fact, hospitality and inhospitality are woven throughout this narrative. The Greek word for hospitality literally means ‘love of strangers'. So, Abraham welcomes the three strangers in Genesis 18, feeds them and gives them a drink. This is taken up in Hebrews 13, where we are told: ‘Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it.’ Think back through this week’s readings. Where are examples of hospitality and inhospitality?
So, we come to Genesis 23. Sarah dies. Abraham seeks to bury her. He goes to the Hittites, the adversaries of the Israelites and their (our) God. And as you read the chapter, you will see hospitality played out, back and forth, until there is an agreement all are happy with.
No bickering over whose land this is, no slandering of each other, no questioning each other’s motives. Rather, acceptance of who they are and their place in the world. Peace in their time!
Can we follow their example? Can we accept God’s statement to us through Paul in Ephesians 2:19? ‘So now you are no longer strangers and aliens. Rather, you are fellow citizens with God’s people, and you belong to God’s household.’ And then apply it to our lives?
God accepts all. You, me, your neighbours, the first inhabitants of Australia, those who come from different lands. In our world of social disharmony that we seem to live in, we do well to remember God’s words: ‘You belong to God’s household.’ Then, living in grace and forgiveness, extend that hospitality to all we encounter, all humanity, remembering each person is made in God’s image and is also extended grace.
God of hospitality, who loves humanity in all its various expressions, let me live in your love. Help me to reflect that grace and forgiveness to everyone I meet. Amen.
In early October, Peter enjoyed a family camp with his children and grandchildren at Lake Bonney, South Australia. Then, he returned to weeding, planting, riding, reading and relaxing!
A NOTE FROM PASTOR PHIL
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, special and precious offshoots of the true and Living Vine,
I’ve got some bad news and good news: “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) Luther, shares the good news this way: ‘Jesus rescued me when I was lost and sentenced to death. He set me free from all my sins, from death and the power of the devil. It cost him more than gold or silver; it cost him his life. Even though he was innocent, he suffered and died for me.’ Wow!! Praise the Lord! May that never cease to amaze and inspire us.
God bless you, your day and your week. In Christ, the Living Vine.
Pastor Phil Joppich
Living Vine Lutheran Church
Held by hope
by Jodie Hoff
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We are his house if we hold firm the boldness and the pride inspired by hope (Hebrews 3:6b).
Read Hebrews 3:1–6
Hebrews invites us to ‘consider Jesus’: to pause, look again and centre our attention on the one who is faithful. I find that such a gentle invitation, especially in a world that so often pulls our focus in many directions.
The writer honours Moses as a faithful servant in God’s house, and then points us to Christ, who is faithful as a son over God’s house. Our hope does not rest on our own strength, certainty, performance or ability to hold everything together. It rests in Jesus’ faithfulness.
That matters because hope can feel fragile. We can feel overwhelmed by responsibility, unsettled by change or tired from carrying what matters. We may wonder whether we have enough courage, wisdom or patience for what lies ahead.
Into that space, this passage reminds us of who we belong to. ‘We are his house.’ We are not simply trying to manage on our own. We are gathered and held in Christ, part of God’s household, where hope is shared, strengthened and renewed.
To hold firm to hope is not about pretending everything is easy. It is to keep turning toward Jesus, especially when our own faith feels small. It is to remember that God is still building, sustaining and making a home among us.
Today, may we consider Jesus again and find in him the courage to live with hope, trust and love.
Faithful Jesus, help us to consider you again when our attention is scattered, and our hope feels fragile. Hold us in your love, strengthen us as your people, and guide us to live with courage and trust. Amen.
With more than 25 years of leadership experience in Lutheran schools, Jodie Hoff brings a deep commitment to Lutheran education and the people and communities it serves. Having lived and worked in both Queensland and South Australia, she now serves as the executive director of Lutheran Education Australia. Jodie is passionate about building relationships, fostering connection and creating opportunities for people and communities to flourish. Beyond her work, she enjoys photography and the arts.
Living with conscience and care
by Jodie Hoff
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Pay to all what is due them (Romans 13:7a).
Read Romans 13:1–7
I find Romans 13 is a reading to approach carefully. Words about authority can land differently depending on our experience. Some of us have known authority as wise, protective and life-giving. Others have seen it misused or felt the weight of systems that do not always serve people well.
So I don’t hear this passage as a call to switch off our consciences or simply go along with whatever is expected. I hear it as an invitation to think deeply about how we live as people of faith within the communities, structures and responsibilities that shape our lives.
‘Pay to all what is due them’ sounds simple, but it asks something quite searching of us. What do I owe the people around me? Respect? Honesty? Patience? A willingness to listen? A commitment to contribute to the common good? Sometimes what is ‘due’ is not just a tax or an obligation, but the care and dignity every neighbour deserves.
I know there are days when it is tempting to think mostly about what is fair for me, what costs me least or what helps me get through the day most easily. But this passage gently turns us outward. It reminds us that our choices affect others. The way we speak, lead, respond, participate and challenge can help to build up a community and create space for others to flourish.
Perhaps faithfulness here involves living with both humility and courage: humility to honour others and take responsibility seriously, and courage to ask whether our actions reflect God’s justice, mercy and peace.
God of wisdom and justice, guide us to live responsibly within our communities, with conscience, courage and care. Help us to honour others, seek the common good and follow your way of mercy and peace. Amen.
With more than 25 years of leadership experience in Lutheran schools, Jodie Hoff brings a deep commitment to Lutheran education and the people and communities it serves. Having lived and worked in both Queensland and South Australia, she now serves as the executive director of Lutheran Education Australia. Jodie is passionate about building relationships, fostering connection and creating opportunities for people and communities to flourish. Beyond her work, she enjoys photography and the arts.