Abraham, a very wealthy man, and an old man in his 99th year surrounded by at least 318 trained and able bodied men [servants] (14v14) who had accompanied him earlier when he went to rescue his nephew Lot and their families – this same man was running around his house to organise a meal for the three visitors he had just invited home for a meal! The recounts the story as follows: “So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of fine flour and knead it and bake some bread.” Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree” (v6-8).
Abraham, by this singular act, once again, demonstrated that his wealth, rather than defining him or being a measure of significance, was in fact mere resources to be deployed in service!
In the process, unintended or intentional reward accompanied this act of hospitality including:
- The confirmation of the eminent fulfillment of the promise of God. God had promised him a son. The fulfillment of that promise had been delayed for 14 years and counting. While eating the meal that was served by Abraham, “the Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” (v10).
- He developed deep friendship with God such that he became a confidant of God. The Lord said ”Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” (v17) and in the process he dared to intercede on behalf of Sodom in order to save his Nephew Lot (v23-33). Even Jehoshaphat, generations later, acknowledged the friendship between God and Abraham (2 Chron. 20v7). David, on the same note, observed that “The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them”(Ps 25v14).
Generations later the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the creator of the whole universe takes off His robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, stooped down and began to wash the feet of his disciples! He said “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you”(Jn 13v13-15).
The new testament is replete with injunction to believers to serve one another and be give to hospitality. The writer of Hebrews alluding to this encounter of Abraham with the angels of the Lord enjoined us not to “ forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it”(Heb 13v2).
Dear Father, despite the challenges of present day living, I pray that you will grant me and sustain in me, the heart of obedience to follow the example of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in serving others that you bring my way. This I pray in His precious name. Amen
