Expect the Unexpected

Genesis 18:1-5 and 9-14 MSG

Series: Refresh

One of the most fascinating aspects of life with God is that we can always expect the unexpected.

Abraham learned that in our reading today.

In Genesis 18:1-2, “God appeared to Abraham at the Oaks of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. It was the hottest part of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing. He ran from his tent to greet them and bowed before them.”

Notice, the three men appeared. He did not see them coming but he was not afraid.

Genesis 18:3-5, “He said, “Master, if it please you, stop for a while with your servant. I’ll get some water so you can wash your feet. Rest under this tree. I’ll get some food to refresh you on your way, since your travels have brought you across my path.” They said, “Certainly. Go ahead.”

Even though it’s the hottest part of the day when the men appear out of nowhere, Abraham is welcoming and is ready to serve the unexpected guests.

He doesn't call for his wife or even his servants to come. He stands ready to serve the men. Now…Abraham is a wealthy man who has many servants yet he doesn't call for them to come.

He doesn’t call for his wife.

This very wealthy man gets up, leaving his shady spot and he immediately takes charge of serving the three men.

Then in Genesis 18:9-14,  “The men asked Abraham, “Where is your wife Sarah?” “There, in the tent,” said Abraham. Then the Lord said, “I will certainly return to you about this time a year from now. At that time your wife Sarah will have a son.” Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were very old. Since Sarah was past the age when women normally have children, she laughed to herself, “My husband and I are too old to have a baby.” Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘I am too old to have a baby’? Is anything too hard for the Lord? No! I will return to you at the right time a year from now, and Sarah will have a son.”

The truth is that more than likely in today’s world a wealthy man who had many servants would have called for the servants to come serve the guests. In doing so Abraham exhibited real character and genuine love.

He chose to served the guests.

Little did Abraham know the guests were sent from God to give him a great message of hope.

In today’s world we would be incluned to recognize him as a servant leader.

As it turned out the men were sent from God and they gave him a great message filled with blessings.

Abraham was the man of the hour. He was a servant and God was about to bless him beyond measure.

Reading this lesson reminded me that even today we need to believe that God is God and God can do anything…even the unexpected!

Deborah

acrazyjourney.com