Genesis 18

Abraham spares no expense as he attempts to welcome his special guests, but I’m trying to think abut these events as they must have happened in real time and I am struck by how long everything would have taken. These surprise guests would have had to be very patient (he ran to the field, butchered a calf, cooked it, and served it during this time!) I also take it as a reminder that welcoming a guest in a nice way doesn’t have to mean lots of money and a 5 course meal. It can be simple, good, honest food. More important than the menu is the time spent with guests who can enrich my life in so many different ways.

These are the sort of things I enjoy getting out of my scripture reading. Real life applications!

More washing of the feet. How do we show people respect now? A thank you note? So impersonal. Though I don’t really have a desire to wash anyone’s feet I do think it’s kind of sad that we have lost most all these sort of customs in American culture. It’s even becoming rare to stand as a respected person enters the room. Sure, the President of the country gets this treatment, but what about the old cattle rancher who makes an honest living his whole life? How do we show respect for that.

My aunt recently had a military serviceman from Australia over for dinner. I think it was really wonderful how she showed him so much respect.

Would Sarah have even dared hope that this could be so? She had wanted a baby for so long. Gave up her husband to another woman for it. Menstruation had ceased long ago.

What a reminder that God knows everything, even our deepest darkest parts. Sarah laughed, but only in her mind, and her lack of faith was called our by her guest.

Two things learned from those last few verses.

First, Sodom was an awful evil place. Not even 10 righteous people!

Second, I think if our intentions are righteous, we can keep asking the Lord for what we want. Though we must keep in mind that He might say no, and keep saying no no matterwhat. But Abraham was respectful with his requests and only wanted to do good.