“The gift unexpected”

By Rev. Michael Stonhouse

Meditation – Sunday, June 18, 2023

Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7 (Forward, p. 51) CEV pp. 15,18

Today’s story is one of those decisive, future-changing events of history, though no one realized it at the time. Abraham, as the patriarch and male of the family, is simply showing the customary hospitality and courtesy to a bunch of strangers. Providing water for them to wash their feet and an inviting shade tree would be most welcome after what was presumably a long trek. And likewise, some food for the journey, to rebuild their strength, would be great as well. We don’t know whether the bread, milk, curds and the fatted calf were the ‘usual’ fare, but certainly it was an obvious sign of the host’s hospitality, graciousness and generosity. Hospitality was something expected of the male of the household, and so was the fact that Sarah closeted herself back in her private part of the tent, out of the view of strangers. What neither of them knew was the identity of the three guests. Many commentators since then have identified them as none other than God in a human form. Anyway, for Sarah and Abraham that didn’t matter, that was irrelevant: they were simply doing their duty as hosts.

What was not at all expected were the words of one of the guests, particularly his promise of a son. By this time both Abraham and Sarah are extremely advanced in years, and so the prospect of having a son is quite laughable, even ridiculous. It would most certainly be a gift, but one that, even by God’s standards, seemed quite impossible. But, indeed, that was exactly what happened: at exactly the time promised, Sarah gave birth to a son, Isaac.

What this puts me in mind of is the small boy who also gave something, namely his lunch of five small loaves of barley bread and two fish, to Jesus (see John 6:9). And what does Jesus do with it but bless it and use it to feed a multitude of 5,000 people. Both examples say to me that gifts given to God often have an unexpected repercussion, an unexpected snowball effect—that we end up being blessed by God in ways far surpassing our initial gift. So, let us not be remiss or slow to give our gifts to God. We never know just what will come of them. Amen.

Forward notes: “The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day” (verse 1).

“I’ve always wanted a proper front porch. I walk around my neighborhood and see houses with porches that run the full length of the front, and I think, ‘How nice it must be to take in the day from there, to sit and read, to play guitar, or to talk to neighbors as they pass by.’

“Abraham was sitting on his front porch—or, at the entrance of his tent, rather—when he suddenly saw the three divine messengers before him. It’s remarkable enough that he, at age 99, sprinted to meet them, bowed his ancient frame down before them, and showed them fine hospitality. But the catalyst for all that happens next is him sitting where he is.

“Referencing this story, Hebrews 13:2 says, ‘Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.’ Perhaps this is the corollary of, ‘Spend time on your porch/steps/yard/block, so that you might meet angels.’”

Moving Forward: “Introduce yourself to a new neighbour. Perhaps invite them to sit for a spell—on your porch, steps, or lawn.”