Learning From the Old Testament Greats: Abraham – The Father of FaithSample

Day 7: The Promise of a Son

Thoughts on the Passage

God shows up.

Abraham moves very fast to try and provide something special for Him and the guests. It is kind of funny thinking how he runs around getting the food put together, getting Sarah working as fast as she can, getting a servant to wash their feet, trying everything he can to be a good host. God must have been smiling. God did not come there to be entertained or because He was hungry. He came to give something to Abraham. The promise of a son for Sarah would come within a year,  and God, Himself, came to give the announcement! Tomorrow we will read about the other reason God shows up – His plan for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Let’s just think about this special visit. It is not just for Abraham, it is for Sarah as well. God wants Sarah to hear the words as well. It is her special moment, and Sarah laughs at it. God calls her out for her laugh of unbelief. Sarah is so fearful she denies her moment of unbelief.

Before we get hard on Sarah, let us remember our times where God gives us a promise; then He delays until it is too late, and we hear again that the promise is coming. How do we respond? With just a little unbelief!  God responds to us the same way. He says “I showed up, I promised, do not be in unbelief.”

When God shows up, He is willing to receive our honor, but He came for a reason. Listen!

Application to our Lives

When God shows up, do not worry about whether everything is in place. Take time to listen carefully.

When God makes a promise, He keeps it.

Time to Pray

Father, I think You must have had a lot of enjoyment seeing Abraham run around trying to be a good host to the King of kings. However, it is what You have to say when You show up that is important. Father, forgive me when I make it all about me. Forgive me if I make it all about what I should be doing. Let me just take time to listen and listen carefully. That is what You really want me to do. So give me attentive ears to You today. In Jesus name, Amen.