Genesis 18:1-15 (NRSV)
Read Genesis 18:1-15 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. Verse 11Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Verse 12So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?" Verse 13The Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, and say, 'Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?' Verse 14Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son." Verse 15But Sarah denied, saying, "I did not laugh"; for she was afraid. He said, "Oh yes, you did laugh."
Devotion
Look what happens when the Lord comes near! If you pay attention, you may experience this presence today. It was an ordinary day for Abraham and Sarah. They had been waiting for nearly twenty-five years for the promises of God to be complete. They were still waiting for a child, but in their old age they began to fear that it would take a miracle. Then the Lord came near in three mysterious guests. Abraham showed generous hospitality to welcome the guests. The Lord announced the great news: by this time next year, you will have a son. And Sarah laughed. What unbelievable joy, what amazement, what delight! "Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?" You too may be waiting for God's promises to grace your life. The Lord has a habit of showing up on the ordinary days with extraordinary presents. Like Abraham, you may just look up and find the Lord standing near. Welcome God's presence. Find delight and joy in God's wonders for you.
Prayer
Gracious God, the wonderful promise of life beyond death has been completed in your son, Jesus. You know the yearning in my heart for your grace. Come near today and surprise me with your joy. Amen.