Share Something with Others – Genesis 18:1-10

A text – Genesis 18:1-10

18 The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. ² He 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. ³ He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. ⁴ Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. ⁵ Let 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.” ⁶ And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” ⁷ Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. ⁸ Then 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.

⁹ They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” ¹⁰ Then 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.

A reflection:

This story gives us a very visual example of hospitality in the ancient world – hospitality that costs something – time, energy, livestock – for three men who might have been complete and total strangers. It may have been the kind of hospitality Martha was going for in our story from Monday about Mary and Martha. It was the heat of the day, and Abraham invited the three suddenly appearing strangers to wash their feet with cool water in the shade, with the promise of bread (and a meal). They agreed and several people worked hard and quickly to see that the strangers were refreshed and fed. Abraham helped to serve them and stood by them as they ate. All of the work was done to extend hospitality to these suddenly appearing strangers (though verse 18 at the start reveals that “The Lord appeared to Abraham,” so it is more than possible that these were no strangers to Abraham).

Hospitality to strangers, immigrants, widows and orphans, people who would never be able to pay you back for it – this was the Lord’s command to the chosen people. Hospitality to strangers was one way of setting apart the children of Israel from all the other cultures in their region. It may have been one way they were meant to be different, living to a different standard, from everyone else. My colleague and friend Dr. Patrick Keifert, the Lutheran theologian and Missional Church Movement leader, has always maintained that a church that can discern and embody its missional calling from the Lord, its particular means of hospitality to the stranger, will thrive. That mission is what that church is there for. Does it cost something to be in mission to the community, to welcome strangers, to extend hospitality? Yes. But that is why we are here.

We as individuals, too, are called to be hospitable. What happens when we lean out the porch window a little, or share cookies, or give away a wave and a smile to that guy sitting at the bus stop when we are at a stoplight? If you dare, try it this week and see what happens. Peace to your house.

A prayer:

Lord God, Thank you for loving us. Thank you for emphasizing your desire that we be hospitable. Help us to find ways of sharing your peace, of extending hospitality this week in our own lives. Help us be a part of what you are forever trying to do. Amen.