Genesis 18:1-11

1. Now the Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.
2. When he raised his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed down to the ground,
3. And said, “My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by.
4. Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and make yourself comfortable under the tree;
5. and I will bring a piece of bread, so that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant.” And they said, “So do as you have said.”
6. So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it, and make bread cakes.”
7. Abraham also ran to the herd, and took a tender and choice calf and gave it to the servant, and he hurried to prepare it.
8. He took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he was standing by them; and he was standing by them; and he was standing by them under the tree as they ate.
9. Then they said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.”
10. He said, “I will certainly return to you at this time next year; and behold, your wife Sarah will have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him.
11. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, and advanced in age; Sarah was past childbearing,

The Meeting of Abraham and Sarah

This is the story when the Lord, appearing through visitors appears to Abraham and Sarah and will prophesy that Sarah will have a child. They are both approaching 100 years of age, so the odds of this happening physically were slim to nil (especially when we think about it in a modernized sense.) With this theophany (reminder: a theophany is when God appeared to people in a physical form), I want to look at how Abraham responded. Abraham saw three men before them, but would he have known that they were an angel of the Lord? Why was his response the way that it was in verses 3 through 5? Is that something for us to remember?

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Why do you believe Abraham responded this way?

The Foundation of Hospitality

Abraham did not know that this was God. Abraham’s response is based on the ancient Near Eastern custom of hospitality and respect towards travelers. The use of the word “lord” here shows how Abraham address show reverence, though the identity of the visitors remains intentionally layered in the narrative, which one of the three later reveals themselves as God (vs 13). This is where this story is about theophany.

Abraham approaches the visitors humbly, showing that these visitors have authority and power. On a grander picture, we see how grace is shown to each other. God’s favor is not based on our worth, but on God’s powerful choice. Abraham wants the visitors to stay, showcasing his hospitality, which was viewed as a sacred duty.

The first way that Abraham responds is through hospitality. He does not know these travelers, but he made them feel at home. It’s a great reminder for me that everyone I meet should feel safe and comfortable around me. I need to be welcoming to people of all backgrounds and circumstances. I should not judge or treat others differently because of their past or history, but to accept them as they are. To learn their story and see what I can do to spread God’s love and grace and mercy towards them. Abraham could have easily judged them and sent them away, but their culture taught them to welcome the visitors. To not make assumptions about them. Not to build walls, but bridges. To not gatekeep but open the gates. The more we start to learn the humanity of each other instead of focusing on the things that tend toe separate us, the more we star to see the gospel message come to life.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: How can you be more hospitable to those you interact with?

Basic Needs are Met

To offer water was a common act of hospitality. Water was a very precious resource and gifting it to the travelers showed care and respect. Abraham gifted it so they can wash their feet, which was a customary practice in biblical times due to the dirty conditions of their travel. It was a sign of welcome and respect that was done by servants. The resting by a tree was a helpful message to provide shade in the hot climate.

The second way that Abraham responds is through care and respect. Abraham is offering ways to try and care for the travelers. To provide a place where the travelers can rest, find refreshments, and refuge. We don’t know the journey that the travelers were on prior to this. Abraham wanted to offer a place of rest, refreshment, and refuge. We can also do this. It’s a simple way to try and meet their basics of everything that is needed. If someone approaches you for help – they may want food, water, shelter, or something that they believe they need for survival. Sometimes we may offer help through financial assistance. Sometimes we may journey with them to a place where they can receive their needs. Sometimes we do both. It is counter-cultural to our society, at least where I live, where it’s hard to trust what someone does with what we give them. Abraham could have believed the same thing, given how special the water is there, but Abraham continued to do what is right. We are called to practice hospitality, generosity, and trust.. We must obey when there is something is in need and allow God to carry the proper judgment and justice out afterwards. It’s not our responsibility to follow what they do, but it’s our help when needed.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Think back to moments when people have asked you for help? What did you think? How did you respond?

Generosity to the Guests

Bread was a staple food, showcasing sustenance and life. Abraham’s offer shows his generosity and respect. The concept of refreshment shown in verse five comes from the idea of physical nourishment and rest. These were essential for travelers in the harsh desert environment.

The third way that Abraham responds is through generosity. Not only did Abraham provide the basic needs but goes above and beyond to care for his guests. How often do we go above and beyond to those that we meet? Not those that we’ve known for a while or those that we consider friends or family. I’m saying the person that we meet on the sidewalk, that person we meet in the store, the visitor to your church – those people. Working as a tax preparer, I’ve gotten to meet a lot of people through my three years. I’ve gotten to hear a lot of stories that have left me stunned, saddened, surprised, shocked, and satisfied. Hearing these stories has not only built relationships but has given me opportunities to share in love and share in resources. I’ve sat on the phone for hours with clients trying to reach tax authorities to get answers and help for clients. I have done extra research to help people out in situations that they are looking for (food assistance, rent assistance, and more.) We’ve spent time before, during, and after our interview to hear their stories and meet them where they are. Sometimes people that come in don’t have anyone to just talk with. My desk is a safe place for our clients. My desk is a place where they can forget about the chaos of the outside world and breathe. I try to keep it light, and have some fun, but I also educate them. I want to teach people how their money works and how their taxes happen. Do I have to do that? Yes, but up to a point. I could keep it bare bones, but I don’t. I will take things deeply. I will answer any and all questions. I will be honest if I don’t know the answers, and will research it with him, so that we can find the answers out together. I walk alongside them, which is different than the world teaches. The world teaches individualism – “I’mma do me” – and we were not created to do life alone. We need each other. We need relationships and friendships. We need someone to help us by going above and beyond, much like we do for others.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Think about those that are hurting around you. How do you go above and beyond?

Next part: Abraham Didn’t Hold Back || What’s a Theophany? || Part 3