(Genesis 18:1-8) Now the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth, 3 and said, “My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by. 4 Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree; 5 and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant.” And they said, “So do, as you have said.” 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it and make bread cakes.” 7 Abraham also ran to the herd, and took a tender and choice calf and gave it to the servant, and he hurried to prepare it. 8 He took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and placed it before them; and he was standing by them under the tree as they ate.
TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:
The Lord (the pre-incarnate of Jesus) and two angels appeared to Abraham in the form of men. Abraham recognized the Lord at once! Remember, Abraham had already become a believer, and had held conversations with Him in the past, so Abraham KNEW his Lord God.
People who are unbelievers will sometimes say to Christians, "There's something different about you!" Well, just imagine how "different" Jesus would seem - especially to someone who already knows Him.
Now, here is respect... Abraham did not assume that the Lord would stay with him there. Abraham asked the Lord - IF he had found favor in His sight...!!! IF- meaning - have I been behaving properly or have I done anything wrong which needs addressing? Even with loved ones, do we treat them horribly and then expect them to get over it and be nice to us and visit with us like nothing has happened?
Not only did Abraham want the Lord to stay with him there - Abraham wanted Him to stay so that he could serve Him! When they said they would stay, Abraham immediately set about preparing a feast, which was more than he promised them. Notice he chose a choice calf to prepare... like the first fruits of a tithe. Nothing but the best.
Also notice that Abraham did not eat with them. He was probably acting as a servant would, attentive and standing ready to serve in any way required.
While I was a missionary in Puerto Rico, my family and I were invited to a neighbor's house for dinner. We were humbled! The matron of the house sat us at the only table in their very tiny home, and sat her family in the living room (which was also someone's bedroom). She served us first, then her family. IF she even ate, she ate in the kitchen, otherwise, she was standing aside, attentive, ready to serve. If anyone wanted to ask us a question, they would politely stand and say, "May I ask a question?"
Wow! In north America, we are so very casual. We don't typically treat our neighbors that way. We are also probably way more casual towards God than other culture. So the big question to ponder is - considering everything the Lord has done for us, and considering WHO He is - how much respect do we show God? Do we take Him for granted, and do as we please - then expect God to bless, please and serve US as we desire? Or do we humble ourselves, get right with Him, and serve, and stand by ready to serve as required, desiring to please our Lord and Savior???...
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