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
We might learn a few things about receiving guests in our homes as we observe Abraham welcoming and serving unexpected ”strangers” who stop by to visit. Yet the real focus in this reading is the repeated promise that he and his wife Sarah will have a son. Just imagine being in your 90’s and continuing to hear that you will have a son. They still hold on to that promise, in spite of their ages, while many others would quickly say “it’s too late to raise children.” I read somewhere recently that God’s promises don’t have an expiration date. Abraham and Sarah trust in that spiritual truth. So, what promises of the Lord are you waiting upon to be fulfilled?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, your promises are sure. Help us to know that we can trust in your power and your wisdom and your strength to fulfill your promises. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.