Genesis 18.1-15
In verse 2 we find that Abraham’s eyes were open to what was around him. He was scanning the horizon. He is not introspective or only focused on his self. Instead his head is up — and not so that he can defend his property, but his head is up noticing the stranger.
We notice in verses 3-5 that Abraham urges the strangers to stay. And then he goes overboard in his hospitality. He gives the best of what he has.
Butterball Turkey story – if you haven’t heard this story please ask about it 🙂
The blessing from the Lord comes upon Abraham & Sarah. Because they are open to the reversal of guest to host & host to guest. In this reversal they welcome the stranger into their midst, who ends up bringing a blessing to them. In the midst of the hospitatlity Abraham & Sarah extend to the strangers, God blesses them. This is what we call the
Sacrament of Hospitality.
Definition of Sacrament = An outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace.
Matthew 23.39 בּרך בּוא שׁם יהוה
We are to be generous with what we have and make room for people. When we make room for people we will oftentimes find the roles reversed, and that person ends up being the embodiment of Jesus in our midst.
“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.” ~Henry David Thoreau
“Our mobile and self-oriented society is characterized by disturbing levels of loneliness, alienation, and estrangement. In a culture that appears at times to be overtly hostile to life itself, those who reject violence and embrace life bear powerful witness. People are hungry for welcome but most Christians have lost track of the heritage of hospitality.” ~Christine D. Pohl
Brandi Carlile Song – “Story”
You see the smile that’s on my mouth
It’s hiding the words that don’t come out
And all of my friends who think that I’m blessed
They don’t know my head is a mess
No, they don’t know who I really am
And they don’t know what
I’ve been through like you do
And I was made for you…
At The Anchor, we are called to live lives of generosity – where we hold things with palms open – we are generous with our time, energy, resources, gifts, and money. In this posture of generosity, God will meet us and change our hearts where he blesses us.