Micah 4:1-4 

What words does the image of sitting under a vine or a fig tree bring to your mind?  God, through Micah, envisions a time when conflict and war will be over and everyone will be at peace.

Many people are displaced because of international war or internal civil conflicts.  These people are forced to live in camps.  We are all familiar with the terrible conditions in Darfur, Sudan, and other refugee camps around the world.

If peace and resulting secure housing are a part of God’s vision, what, if anything, might God’s people do to end war and the need for refugee camps?  What, if anything, might God’s people do to help people return to the security of home?

Today, pray for the people of Iraq, Afganistan, Syria, Burma, Sudan and other nations at war who have lost their homes or been displaced a a result of war.    

For Further Prayer and Reflection

On May 20-21, 2012, leaders of over 50 nations will gather in Chicago for the 2012 NATO summit.  According to NATO’s website, the main focus of the meetings will be to set strategy for maintaining security in Afganistan once NATO forces are withdrawn.  These strategic meetings will result in real policies for our government that will guide decisions and actions of the Defense Department, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security.  Pray that these leaders will be guided by the principles of justice rather than the myth of redemptive violence.

Isaiah 32:15-20

What is the effect of the presence of the Spirit on the earth?  There is a picture of abundance in vs. 15-17.  What does this universal abundance mean for people’s housing situations?

People facing housing instability or homelessness experience physical sickness, mental illness, stress, domestic violence and shorter life expectancy.   They are not experiencing peace, security or undisturbed rest—the very environment God promises.  What can you do this week to help others experience a secure home?

Romans 12:9-13

We often think of “hospitality” as a spiritual gift—some have it, others do not. And we often think of it as a “feminine” gift.  Yet, this passage commands all believers to practice hospitality.

What do you think Biblical hospitality looks like for those who don’t have the “gift”?  Is it only something we do inside our homes?  Where else can we practice it?  How can we get away from the gendered view of hospitality?

Acts 2:42-47  

The new believers immediately started a practice of sharing their resources so everyone’s needs were met.  They used their homes as a place for sharing food and as an extension of their temple worship.  

Do these verses sound unusual to your 21^st Century North American ears?  If so, why?  How could you use your food and/or your dining room to make sure others have enough?   How does your worship extend beyond Sunday church services in relationship to those who are in need?  

Matthew 8:20; Luke 10:38-42 

During his 3-year ministry, Jesus was a traveling preacher–in essence homeless–dependent upon the hospitality of strangers and friends.  Martha and Mary opened their home to Jesus frequently.

Martha seemed most concerned the quality of her hospitality than the quality of time with her guest.  Can you think of a time when you were more interested in impressing people with your hospitality than about being interested in them?

When was the last time you opened your home to a missionary, a friend, or someone who needed help?  What stops you from using your home as a place for ministry to the needs of others?

For Further Reflection

Happy Leap Year!

Genesis 18:1-15 Hebrews 13:1-2

What acts of hospitality does Abraham show to the three travelers?

Showing hospitality to strangers was very important in that culture.  it was considered a sacred duty.  Why do you think we’ve lost that value in our culture?

The writer of Hebrews references this story to encourage hospitality.  We may be entertaining angels without knowing it.  Would seeing a person who is homeless as an angel change your reaction to her/him?  How?

How might you recover hospitality  in your life?  How will a “stranger/angel” in your community experience your hospitality today?

Matthew 25:34-36

Theologian Walter Brueggemann describes the stranger as “people without a place.”  Asbury professor Christine D. Pohl in her book, Making Room, adds, “to be without a place means to be detached from basic, life-supporting institutions—family, work, polity, religious community, and to be without networks of relations that sustain and support human beings.  This is the condition in which homeless people, displaced poor people, refugees and undocumented persons find themselves.”

From what networks and institutions do you receive “support”?  What networks and institutions are you a part of for the support of others?  What can you do to strengthen these “life-supporting institutions” for the homeless and displaced?

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION

1 Kings 17:1-24

A widow of Zarephath who was close to death due to poverty, could not provide for her family.  Yet she opened her pantry and her home to homeless Elijah.  What was the result?

When have you said to yourself that you cannot afford to be generous?  When have you given to others in need and found yourself to be blessed as a result?

“The Similitudes 1” 

The Similitudes were written in the 2nd Century by Hermas.  The Shepherd reminded his flock  that the servants of God live in a “strange country” far from their true home.  Given our alien status, it makes little sense for believers to collect possessions, fields and houses. Hermas suggested that whatever believers had beyond what was sufficient for their needs was for the needs of widows, orphans and the poor.  God gave his people more than enough for the purpose of generous giving—not for increasing their own comfort.

What is the last “unnecessary” purchase you made related to your home?  What was your last purchase to increase your comfort?  How do you decide when you have “enough”?  What—if any—objections do you sense when you read The Similitudes?  Why?

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines the homeless in 4 categories:  1) individuals or families not having a fixed, regular or adequate night time residence or who sleep in shelters or public places not designed for overnight accommodations, 2) individuals or families who will lose their housing within 14 days if they have no subsequent residence identified, 3) unaccompanied youth or families with children who have moved more than 2 times during the last 60 days, 4) individuals or families that are fleeing domestic violence, dating violence or stalking if they have no other residence.   This does not consider those individuals or families that move in with relatives or friends because of loss of housing.  Who do you know who would fit into any of these categories?

In Chicago, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, estimates that there are between 100,000 and 160,000 people who are homeless during the course of a year.  In Lancaster, PA, Tabor Community Services estimates that there are over 600 people who are homeless on any given day.  Why do you think people are homeless?  Is it their fault?  Is it their choice?  Are there other forces at work that can push people from secure housing?  If so, what are those forces?

According to the National Coalition For the Homeless, poverty and homelessness are inextricably linked.  A growing number of people simply cannot afford to live in a house or apartment.   A depressed job market only makes the problem worse.  See  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/16/affordable-rentals_n_1282519.html.  

What would happen to your housing if you suddenly lost your job, experienced a catastrophic illness or experienced divorce or the death of a wage earning spouse? How would you respond if someone assumed your housing problems were your fault?