*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.
Genesis 18:1-15 teaches us about faith, patience, and God’s power. When Sarah heard that she would have a child in her old age, she laughed because it seemed impossible. But God reminded her that nothing is too hard for Him. This passage encourages us to trust God, even when His promises seem unlikely or take time to happen. It reminds us that God is faithful and works in ways we may not expect. Instead of doubting, we should believe that He can do more than we imagine and wait with hope for His perfect timing.
Genesis 18:1-15 (WEB)
18:1 The LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth, 3 and said, “My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant. 4 Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 I will get a piece of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant.”They said, “Very well, do as you have said.”6 Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly prepare three seahs of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.” 7 Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to dress it. 8 He took butter, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree, and they ate.9 They asked him, “Where is Sarah, your wife?”He said, “There, in the tent.”10 He said, “I will certainly return to you at about this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.”Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age. Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. 12 Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old will I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”13 The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Will I really bear a child when I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes around, and Sarah will have a son.”15 Then Sarah denied it, saying, “I didn’t laugh,” for she was afraid.He said, “No, but you did laugh.”