Lesson In Hospitality

In chapter 18 of Genesis. Abraham is sitting in the heat of the day at the entrance of his tent, hoping to feel a gentle breeze to soften the heat of the desert sun. Three strangers appear, and immediately Abraham welcomes them and prepares a meal for them so they can be refreshed.

He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way--now that you have come to your servant.

This is partly the behavior of Bedouins who know the importance of hospitality in the middle of a long journey across a wilderness. But it is also the natural reaction of a man who is aware of the graciousness and hospitality of his God, and his need to reflect that spirit in his own life. He has learned to treat others the way he would have others treat him. And so within moments bread is baking and the fatted calf is being roasted, and the strangers are soon refreshed and strengthened for their journey.

Then the surprise: these strangers then bring the Word of God to their host and hostess. One of them tells Abraham that the next time he passes by, a year from now, Sarah will be pregnant. The "word of the Lord" came through the strangers who appeared at the home of one of God's people. We can't help but wonder what would have happened if Abraham would have given them the cold shoulder, been indifferent to their needs, and simply pointed them toward Sodom. Centuries later the writer of Hebrews put it this way: Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2).

The Boomer Blogger