Genesis 18:1-10 (NRSV)
Read Genesis 18:1-10 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
This week we will focus on the gifts of the Holy Spirit which help grow the local congregation and the Kingdom of God. The Lord appeared to Abraham through three strangers who appeared at his tent beneath the oaks of Mamre. The gift that Abraham demonstrated was that of hospitality. He welcomed these strangers and made them feel at home. In those acts, he met the Lord.
As I visit other congregations, I often take a cup of coffee and stand by myself following the worship service. Will a member use the gift of hospitality to welcome me to their church home? Sometimes I can stand there, alone, for the entire hospitality time. I would not visit that church again. Other times, someone will come up to me, introduce him or herself and tell me how much he or she loves their church. I would go back to that church. For, in that hospitable person, I met the Lord.
Prayer
Dear Lord, you who often surprise us with a visit, let me welcome others with the gift of hospitality and therefore welcome you. Amen.