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
My coffee pot may always be a bit dirty, but it is also always on. It is our family's belief that a cup of coffee and a conversation can solve most of the world's problems. Hospitality matters. When Abraham saw the unexpected strangers approaching his tent, he welcomed them with open arms and held nothing back. The feast from Sarah's bread and Abraham's best calf provided space for conversation that ushered in real hope for the future — a baby is promised!
Countless Bible stories remind us of the power of hospitality. In worship, Christ holds nothing back, providing his whole self at the table where all are welcomed to a feast of conversation, forgiveness, and grace. Having been fed at this table, we are sent to share all that has been received.
What might change if we regularly made time for a meal and a conversation with a neighbor? With a stranger?
Prayer
Lord, you welcome us always to your table of love, and there you feed and nurture us with your whole life. Open our hearts and tables to be spaces of conversation and love, and be present with us as we gather together. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.