Read: Genesis 18:1-15 NLT – A Son Is Promised to Sarah – The LORD – Bible Gateway
“I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!” Genesis 18:10 NLT
When we last left Abraham two weeks ago he was beginning to understand the meaning of his name. The Lord changed his name from Abram (Exalted Father) to Abraham (father of many nations). God promised Abraham that many nations would come forth from Ishmael but the covenant promise would be through a son yet to be born to Sarah his wife. The name Issac was already given to this son of promise. Abraham obeyed God by conducting the circumcision of every male the sign of the covenant. The Lord promise will be fulfilled and Abraham will have a son and become the father of many nations.
Shortly after Abraham followed God’s instructions for circumcision, the Lord appeared again to Abraham. It was a hot afternoon in the Midde East and Abraham was sitting at the entrance of his tent when three men approached him. Abraham’s life was characterized by living in tents. He was still a wanderer traveling through the land promised to him by the Lord. Two of these three men were angels and the third was a theophany, another presentation of Jesus in human form. It doesn’t seem Abraham recognized Him at first but later realizes who He is.
Abraham immediately offered the Near Eastern hospitality of the day. “When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground. ‘My lord,’ he said, ‘if it pleases you, stop here for a while.’” (Gen.18:2-3 nlt) Abraham used the customary greeting of respect, ‘My lord’, when he addressed the Lord. There were no hotels or inns in that day and weary travelers would depend on the hospitality of others for food and rest. It was considered a good deed to feed and put up travelers to rest from their journey and Abraham was quick to do it.
Abraham had water brought to wash their feet as they rested in the shade under a tree while food was being prepared. Sarah used her best flour to bake fresh bread, and “Abraham ran out to the herd and chose a tender calf and gave it to his servant, who quickly prepared it.” (Gen.18:7 nlt) A choice calf was going over and above the normal standards for feeding travelers. Before Abraham brought out the roasted meat and fresh bread he got some yogurt and milk to complete the meal. Abraham was not only a man of great faith but a man of generosity. The New Testament instructions on showing hospitality is taken in part from Abraham’s example here in this passage. The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” (Heb.13:2 nlt)
After the meal, the visitors asked where Sarah was. Abraham replied she was in the tent. “Then one of them (the Lord) said, ‘I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!’” (Gen.18:10 nlt) Sarah overhearing the conversation from inside the tent laughed to herself. After all she was about ninety years old and Abraham would be one-hundred when Issac is to be born. Sarah said to herself, “How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master—my husband—is also so old?” (Gen.18:12 nlt) It seemed an impossibility to have a child at her age. Although the lifespans in their day were much longer Sarah was way past the age of child-bearing. Of course the Lord heard Sarah’s response and said, “Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Gen.18:14 nlt)
Sarah denied laughing, even if it was only to herself, for she was afraid. But the Lord knew. A thought for us to take hold of. The Lord hears all we say, silently to ourselves, and even in our thoughts. The Lord heard Sarah and He hears us. There is nothing too difficult for the Lord; in hearing our thoughts to ourselves or promising Sarah will have a son in her old age.
Next week Abraham intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah………..
Word for the Soul 