Preparing For Guests

Once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish. Isaiah 29:14 (NIV)

The angel spoke of John: He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Luke 1:16–17

REFLECTION:
I remember the flurry of activity in our house before guests would come. It meant cleaning, tidying, taking out the trash, scrubbing the tub, washing the towels. We wanted to be prepared.

One thing is very clear in both the Old and New Testaments; in order to be prepared for God's coming, humility is needed.

In some ways, these are polar opposite reactions. When preparing the house for guests, at least part of the thought is what they might think about us. So, we clean in order that they may be presented with a clean and tidy environment, which reflects positively on us. When preparing for God's presence in my life, the best hospitality is a heart uncluttered by my "accomplishments" or works.

God knows us in our weakest moments. And what's more stunning...God loves us in those moments, too. Like we feel with a child or a best friend, there is literally no amount of putting on appearances that is necessary because of the love we feel even for the real, raw, unfiltered version of that person.

So, today, may God turn our hearts toward Love. May we be filled with a wonder at God's majesty that doesn't require we prove our own wisdom. May we be prepared to receive God's Love wherever it shows up, even if it shows up in our weakest, most "unprepared" moments.

PRAYER:
Almighty God, all power and wonder are yours. Only on our knees, in full humility, are our eyes opened to your ways, and do we gain true wisdom. Our humble, thankful hearts we offer. Amen.*

*Prayer taken from the Moravian Daily Texts