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1The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. 2He 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. 3He said, "My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. 4Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5Let 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." 6And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, "Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes." 7Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. 8Then 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.
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God comes to us in unexpected and sometimes unrecognized ways. I remember going through a difficult year. Maybe you have had times like that.
Life together for Abraham and Sarah wasn’t always difficult, but they spent many years sorrowing because they didn’t have children. Even after God promised that Sarah would conceive a son they gave up hope. Today’s reading describes how three visitors just show up before their tent. They are God’s messengers bringing good news, a reminder of God’s promise of a child.
Abraham hurries to greet them—not knowing they are from God—and prepares a feast for them. He offers the highest form of hospitality to these strangers—again, not having any idea that God sent them.
Each month during my difficult year, a friend—not a close friend—sent me a card with words of encouragement. At first, each month I would read the card, think “that’s nice,” and forgot all about it. As the months dragged on though, I began to find strength and support in my friend’s words. Looking back now, I realize God was working through her. I should have prepared a feast!
Have you experienced something similar? Realized after the fact that God put you in a particular place at a particular time for a particular reason? Maybe you have been the one God used to help someone else. Or, perhaps, God worked through your friend, co-worker, or family member to support you. What was that like?
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Lord Jesus, thank you for surrounding us with people through whom you bring comfort and healing. Use us to support those in need, whether or not they recognize your presence. In your holy name we pray, Amen.
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Written by Pastor Pam Mitcham
Pastor of Community Care
pmitcham@stjohns-springfield.org
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