Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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LIFE OF FAITH
Genesis 18:1-15


“Is anything too hard for the LORD?  I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.” Genesis 18:1
In Genesis 18, we meet Abraham at the age of 99 and Sarah at age 89, eagerly awaiting God’s promises of becoming a great nation where all the families of the Earth would be blessed through him. The passage narrates the story of Abraham extending hospitality and Sarah’s response when they receive a promise.

Hospitality extended to strangers: Abraham’s hospitality has several characteristics. It extends to strangers, toward those who appear unexpectedly; it follows a certain protocol: seeing, running to meet, honoring, inviting, refreshing, preparing, serving, Bowing, an everyday gesture, was appropriate to all visitors, not only for important people. Abraham gives of the best he has (a calf!), makes and serves food, remains available to them and concerned about their welfare and accompanies them on their way. He understands himself to be their servant. Modern culture presents numerous challenges to hospitality towards others. Hospitality is very much commendable and as we read in Hebrews 13:2 “some have entertained angels, without knowing it”. The text involves not only human hospitality, but also hospitality towards God. Hospitality towards God is not simply a spiritual matter, but the response of the whole self in the midst of the quite mundane affairs of everyday life.

Hold on, God is faithful in His promises: The attitude of hospitality is rewarded with a promise.  Sincerity and integrity are necessary conditions of a promise.  If we have no confidence in the one making the promise those words do not carry much weight and that person’s integrity is what makes the promise valuable. Promises, however, require us to be willing to persevere and hold fast to integrity.  Sarah laughed when she heard the visitor remark that upon his return that she would have a son.  Her laughter exposes her doubt and hopelessness.  She forgets that the integrity of God’s promise is tied to the faithful ness of God.  The Lord’s timing may not coincide with our plans, but this does not mean that the promise is invalid.  God remained faithful to his promises, even when Abraham and Sarah had been faithless.  God seems very aware of and patient with their weakness.  He seems to be well aware of how hard it has been for them to keep believing and trusting, so he takes extra measures to reassure them to help them trust and believe. We can trust God.  Christian life is not a doubt free life but we should preserve in our integrity and faith for God because nothing is too difficult for the Lord.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, please help us to love, trust and have faith in you and your power.  When we find ourselves in the midst of difficult situations help us to remember to be patient to see your miraculous work in our lives.  Amen.

 
Arlyne Mathew, Houston

 

 

  

 

 

 

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