*Genesis 18:1-15
Three visitors appear to Abraham at the oak of Mamre, and he prepares a meal for them while learning Sarah will bear a son.
- Abraham’s Hospitality:
- Abraham is sitting at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day when he sees three men standing nearby.
- Recognizing their significance, Abraham rushes to greet them, offering hospitality by bowing low and inviting them to rest and refresh themselves.
- The Promise of a Son:
- As the visitors partake of Abraham’s hospitality, they inquire about Sarah, Abraham’s wife, and promise that she will have a son.
- Sarah, who is listening from inside the tent, laughs incredulously at the thought of bearing a child in her old age.
- God’s Omniscience:
- One of the visitors, who is revealed to be the Lord, questions Abraham’s laughter and asks, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”
- This interaction demonstrates God’s omniscience and reaffirms his promise to Abraham and Sarah.
- Sarah’s Doubt:
- Sarah, overhearing the conversation, denies laughing out of fear.
- The Lord responds by reaffirming Sarah’s laughter and reiterates that she will indeed bear a son, emphasizing the power of God’s promise.
- Faith and Fulfillment:
- Despite their initial doubts, Abraham and Sarah are called to exercise faith in God’s promise.
- This passage highlights the importance of trusting in God’s timing and power, even when circumstances seem impossible.
- Conclusion:
- Genesis 18:1-15 underscores the themes of hospitality, faith, and divine intervention in the fulfillment of promises.
- Abraham and Sarah’s encounter with the mysterious visitors serves as a pivotal moment in their journey of faith and the fulfillment of God’s covenant with them.
Daily Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding us that nothing is too hard for You. Just as You kept Your promise to Abraham and Sarah, help us to trust in Your power and timing, even when things seem impossible.
Lord, forgive us when we doubt or laugh at the idea of Your plans coming true. Strengthen our faith and teach us to believe in Your promises with hopeful hearts.
We are grateful for Your faithfulness and love. Help us to live with trust and confidence, knowing that You always keep Your word.
Amen.
Genesis 18:1-15 (KJV)
18:1 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, 18:3 And said, My LORD, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: 18:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
18:7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
18:8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
18:9 And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
18:10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.
18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? 18:13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
18:15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.