Genesis 18:1-15 The Three Visitors
“Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent. And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
“My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.”
“Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.”
So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.”
Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender, choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate.
Sarah Laughs at the Promise
“Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked.
“There, in the tent,” he replied.
Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!”
Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years. Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?”
And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’ Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.”
But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh.” For she was afraid. “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.”
First, this passage is a lovely description of traditional hospitality, a tradition that continues up to today. As soon as Abraham sees the three strangers (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?), he urges them to rest, wash their feet, refresh themselves, and eat something. Then Abraham swiftly arranges for bread from the best flour and roasted veal from a choice calf, all the time describing these offerings in modest terms. Not only does Abraham make all these arrangements, but he also stands under the tree by his guests as they are eating and drinking so that he can serve them. Abraham doesn’t delegate this responsibility to one of the household servants but reserves it for himself, demonstrating his courtesy and humility.
Although God has previously promised Abraham a son, he now repeats that promise in Sarah’s hearing. Sarah’s reaction is similar to Abraham’s, she laughs to herself. But the Lord knows that Sarah is laughing and reassures her that He has heard and that Abraham and she will have a son, no matter how crazy the idea seems. Is God angry with Sarah for laughing? No. God has already determined that this promised son will be named “Isaac,” or “he laughs.”
As we read this story, we must remember that God truly loves Abraham and Sarah and wants wonderful things for them. God is not offended by their shock and surprise or by their laughter; in fact, He goes along with the joke by the name He orders to be given to their son. God has a great sense of humor, something humans fail to realize. If God did not have a great sense of humor and was not incredibly patient, He would never be able to put up with us.
This story is also important because it illustrates the close relationship Abraham has with God. Even though there are three men, Abraham knows he is hosting God; he has spent enough time worshiping and praying to sense God’s presence.
The more time we spend with God and the more time we spend in His Word, the more readily we will know when we are in His Presence. And the longer we spend in God’s presence, the more peace we will have, even when things are difficult. There is a trite saying that “If God brings you to it, He can bring you through it.” It’s a sad mistake to dismiss the truth of this statement because it appears so simple. Many times, we find ourselves in impossible situations, surrounded by insurmountable difficulties. Those situations are precisely the ones in which God can show up and deliver us.
How can you develop intimacy with God? Study His Word. Spend time being quiet and asking God to reveal Himself to you. You will never be disappointed; however, God generally speaks very quietly, so don’t expect lots of drama. Ask God to help you hear His Voice. The more you listen, the more peace you will have.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to become as close to You as Abraham was so that we may have Your peace. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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