Genesis 18:1-10a (NRSV)
Read Genesis 18:1-10a on biblegateway.com
Chapter 18The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. Verse 2He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. Verse 3He said, "My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Verse 4Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Verse 5Let 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." Verse 6And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, "Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes." Verse 7Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Verse 8Then 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.
Verse 9They said to him, "Where is your wife Sarah?" And he said, "There, in the tent." Verse 10Then one said, "I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him.
Devotion
Three men show up at the entrance of Abraham's tent. As he welcomes them and entertains them they suddenly speak a surprising word and promise of God. I wish I had more space to tell stories of people who throughout my life have spoken God's promise to me. Some of these people I have known, and some have also known me well, but some of them have also been mystery people.
Once while I was serving on a "Captive Free" ministry team through Youth Encounter, a woman grabbed me, prayed like I have never heard prayer, and then spoke words of God's promise to me. It was one of those moments where the presence of God was unforgettable. There was some fear in the unknown, but even more there was a calming peace in her words. I imagine Abraham had a similar reaction to the words of these strangers.
Who has spoken God's promise in your life? Will your hospitality welcome them in so they may share what God wants you to hear?
Prayer
God of Promise, in Abraham's story we hear the promise of being blessed to be a blessing. Today may we experience your blessings and the joy of being a blessing to others. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.