July 17, 2022
Pastor John Hering
Genesis 18:1-14
Genesis 18:1-14
The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he was sitting by the door to his tent during the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up, and he saw three men standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and he bowed down to the ground. 3 He said, “My lord, if I have now found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. 4 Now let me get a little water so that all of you can wash your feet and rest under the tree. 5 Let me get some bread so that you can refresh yourselves. After that you may go your way. That is why you have come to your servant.”
They said, “Yes, do as you have said.”
6 Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly prepare twenty quarts of fine flour, knead it, and make some loaves of bread.” 7 Abraham ran to the herd, brought a good, tender calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to prepare it. 8 He took cheese curds, milk, and the calf that he had prepared and set it before them. He stood beside them under the tree while they ate.
9 They asked him, “Where is Sarah, your wife?”
He said, “She is over there in the tent.”
10 One of the men said, “I will certainly return to you when this season comes around next year. Then Sarah your wife will have a son.”
Sarah was listening to this from the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well into old age. Sarah was past the age for childbearing. 12 Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, will I have pleasure, since my lord is also old?”
13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really give birth to a child though I am old?’ 14 Is anything impossible for the Lord? At the set time next year I will return to you, and Sarah will have a son.”
We all look forward to the blessing at the end of worship. We all have heard this blessing spoken with some variations as well. When I was in worship class at the seminary, I heard about a professor who was getting along in years. As he stood up to give the blessing, he said this: “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blessed.” While these weren’t the words we were expecting, and giggled at his fladoober, what he said really isn’t all that far off base. When we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest,” we are asking the Lord to be with us, and when the words of blessing are spoken at the end of a worship service, the Lord is saying, “I will be with you.”
Can you imagine? God wants to be with us as our guest! So, how would you receive him? It doesn’t matter if you are a newborn, or have been a Christian a long time; whether you are an every Sunday worship attender or just occasionally, or even if you are content to stay at home and watch the service on line, I know there is so much for us to consider when it comes to receiving the Lord in our life as our guest. Today, Abraham is our teacher in Genesis 18 as we learn from his experience,
When the Lord Comes To Visit Your Tent
Welcome Him
Let’s remember who Abraham was. We are introduced to Abraham after the account of the Tower of Babel. In Genesis 11 there is a long list of the descendants that leads up to Abraham. Then in Genesis 12 we learn that Abraham was a man called by the Lord when he was living with his family in a pagan society in the City of Ur of the Chaldeans. Do you remember how old Abraham was? He was 75 years old! So, do you picture this old man with his wife and nephew Lot walking their way to the Promised Land? Do you see an old man gazing into the night sky when God promised his offspring would be as many as the stars? Do you see an old man trying to tie down his teenage son Isaac to slay him with a knife as the Lord was testing Abraham’s faith (and God stopped him and provided a ram as a substitute for his son). Remember his trip to Egypt and his wife Sarah was being sought out to be a part of Pharoah’s harem? How do you picture this old man? Do you picture an old man who was filthy rich? The Bible says,
“Abram went up out of Egypt into the Negev. He went with his wife and with all that he had, and with Lot too. 2 Abram was very wealthy in livestock, in silver, and in gold”
Genesis 13:1-2
Well, a man with these kinds of possessions, with wealth and community standing probably isn’t going to have to worry about answering the front door.
But, this is what we learn:
“The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he was sitting by the door to his tent during the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up, and he saw three men standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them.”
We don’t see Abraham take on an attitude of superiority and ask, “What do you want?” He doesn’t give his guests the impression that he was waiting for them to bow to a person who was rich and famous. No! Abraham “bowed down to the ground.” He humbled himself and offered a most gracious welcome! I don’t know about you, but I do get the impression that while Abraham didn’t know exactly who these guests were, he does recognize that they were special. Regardless, we get the lesson: When the Lord Comes to Visit Your Tent, Welcome Him with Humble Reverence.
Now, I realize that the Lord and two angels are probably NOT going to visit your home today. But if you want to get a sense of what we’re talking about just ask someone if you think the way we relate to God should be more casual or not? There are plenty of people who think about their relationship with God to be their buddy. They view Jesus as their friend. Sure enough, we sing, “What a Friend we have in Jesus!” Jesus is the friend of sinners. But, if we think Jesus would show up at our backyard BBQ and would simply sit across from us on the picnic table, we might lose a healthy sense of reverence. Certainly, we don’t want to lose sight of the fact that our God is a big God, so much greater than we are. Yes, God is merciful and comes to meet us, but let’s not lose sight of his awesomeness. We are in the presence of our holy God who deserves Humble Reverence as we Welcome Him.
Let me also suggest that we keep this in mind when we come to worship in this House of Prayer. For sure we are so happy to see each other. It’s exciting to smile and chat and shake hands and enjoy the privilege of being here together week after week in God’s house. But remember why we are here. We begin most every worship service with the reminder that we are invited to be here by our holy God who demands that we live holy lives. It isn’t that we’re doing God a favor by being here, but God wants us here so that he can serve us! Yes, When the Lord Comes to Visit us in our church, Welcome Him with Humble Reverence because He is here to announce forgiveness of all our sins. Yes, let’s welcome the Lord as Abraham did, and then let’s be ready
To Serve Him
During these times of Abraham, it was common courtesy to offer your guests water to wash their hands and feet and provide some food from them whether your friends or even strangers. It didn’t have to be a huge banquet, but enough to say, “Welcome,” and send people on their way. When these guests visited Abraham, he went above and beyond.
“3 He said, “My lord, if I have now found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. 4 Now let me get a little water so that all of you can wash your feet and rest under the tree. 5 Let me get some bread so that you can refresh yourselves. After that you may go your way. That is why you have come to your servant. They said, “Yes, do as you have said.”
Abraham sought to serve his guests, not reluctantly, not even out of a sense of duty, but joyfully and with his whole heart. How do we know? When he didn’t snap his fingers and call his servants to do the work, Abraham himself was Eager to Serve.
“6 Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly prepare twenty quarts of fine flour, knead it, and make some loaves of bread.” 7 Abraham ran to the herd, brought a good, tender calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to prepare it. 8 He took cheese curds, milk, and the calf that he had prepared and set it before them. He stood beside them under the tree while they ate.”
Abraham didn’t grab the leftovers from lunch. A bushel of flour makes lots of bread and a calf provides plenty of meat. (I’m still thinking Abraham doesn’t know exactly who these guests are). His preparation and presentation of the meal tell a story. Abraham was eager to serve his guests as a gift from God and responds with thanks and service. By his hospitality Abraham was saying, “Whoever these guests are doesn’t matter. All that I am and all that I have comes from the Lord. Therefore, I will serve others as if I am giving to and serving God. Remember, the writer to the Hebrews said “Do not fail to show love to strangers, for by doing this some have welcomed angels without realizing it” (Heb 13:2).
When you think about serving others, what excuses can you come up with? If you’re like me it is easy to say, “I’m just too busy!” Let’s think about this. Who is it that created time? God. How much time do each of us have? The same. Who gives us strength to serve when opportunities arise? God. That calls us to repentance. The church is here to create avenues of service where you can use your time, talents and treasures to serve God by serving others. When God’s people put their abilities to use at the church it humms light along. But, the same is true as husband/wife, parents, student, employer/employee—you can make a difference in our world with a servant-like attitude. And we can up our service when we think that the people God puts in our life don’t necessarily need a hand and foot washing, or a loaf of bread, but they need the most important thing. It is the service our Lord gives us by coming to us with his Word and Sacrament to strengthen our faith. The people in our life also need the Bread of Life and the Lamb of God. Therefore, as the Lord first served us with his blessings, let that motivate us to serve others. Remember, in doing so what Jesus said, “Just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.” (Matt 25:40). When the Lord Comes to Visit Your Tent, Welcome Him, Serve Him and then be ready to
Listen to Him
When you have guests join you for a meal there is a balance between eating, talking and listening. We enjoy the conversation, but every once in a while, we are with people who like to do all the talking. Abraham’s guests did most of the talking and Abraham did the Listening. And what they had to say was shocking!
“9 They asked him, “Where is Sarah, your wife?” He said, “She is over there in the tent.” 10 One of the men said, “I will certainly return to you when this season comes around next year. Then Sarah your wife will have a son.””
God had something very important to say. Or maybe I should say it like this: Is there anything more important than what the Lord has to say? God is the one who holds the keys to our eternal salvation. God is the one who guides our lives. God is the one who wiped away all our sins. When God speaks, we Listen!
Abraham may not have realized at first who his guests were, but now he connected the dots. Abraham Listened to the Lord and heard some amazing words,
“I will certainly return to you when this season comes around next year. Then Sarah your wife will have a son.”
It was just a few weeks earlier when the Lord appeared and made the same promise.
“God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai anymore, but her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and even give you a son by her. Yes, I will bless her, and she will be a mother of nations. Kings of many peoples will come from her”
Genesis 17:15-16
Abraham knew exactly who he was listening to. When the Lord Came to Visit His Tent, Abraham Listened.
Dear friends in Christ, it is time for us all to listen to the Lord. We are so bombarded by the messages all around us that direct our attention inward. “Look insides yourself and see your potential!” We do, and we come up empty. Then it’s time to listen to the Lord. Or a troubled Christian wonders, “Are all my sins really forgiven? Even the sins I’ve committed against the ones I love the most?” Then it’s time to listen to the Lord. A young woman wonders, “Should I move in and sleep with my boyfriend or not?” Then it’s time to listen to the Lord. A teenager wonders, “Who am I” or “What am I worth?” Then it’s time to listen to the Lord. When we listen to the Lord we will hear amazing news!
When it comes to your potential God says, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).
Are you forgiven? Jesus said this about the Lord’s Supper, “for this is my blood of the new testament, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matt 26:28).
Should a person live with another person before getting married? “Marriage is to be held in honor by all, and the marriage bed is to be kept undefiled, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers” (Heb 13:4).
Who am I and what am I worth? “Why, even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So stop being afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7).
That is my job as your Pastor! I am here to point you to Jesus. Look there (point to the cross) and listen to Jesus say, “Everything is going to be okay! You are forgiven!” So, When the Lord Comes to Visit Your Tent, Welcome Him, Serve Him, Listen to Him and
Trust Him
When I was a kid that there was a knock at the door it was a salesman from Fuller Brush to house cleaning supplies, Avon to sell lotions and cosmetics, or Kirby to sell a vacuum. Oh, how the world has changed. Do you trust anyone who comes knocking at your door besides the Amazon delivery guy? And even when it came to buying stuff on Amazon, how long did it take for you to trust the internet to get what you ordered? What was that line in the Meditations last week about teachers? “Students don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.” People in sales will say the same thing, “Before they can sell the product, they have to sell themselves.” There needs to be a trust relationship between sellers and buyers.
How much more so when the Lord Came To Visit Abraham In His Tent! Abraham welcomed him, served him and listened to him all because Abraham trusted in the Lord his God. God had said, “go to the land that I will show you” (Gen 12:1). God kept that promise. “I will make your name great” (Gen 12:2). God kept that promise. God had said, “I am your shield, your very great reward” (Gen 15:1). God kept that promise, too. Abraham trusted in the Lord God and his promises. Now, the Lord repeats another promise he had made to Abraham.
“9 They asked him, “Where is Sarah, your wife?” He said, “She is over there in the tent.” 10 One of the men said, “I will certainly return to you when this season comes around next year. Then Sarah your wife will have a son.”
Abraham trusted in the Lord God because he had come to know God’s track record. God keeps his promises!
But, this is where Sarah had some troubles.
“Sarah was listening to this from the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well into old age. Sarah was past the age for childbearing. 12 Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, will I have pleasure, since my lord is also old?” 13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really give birth to a child though I am old?’ 14 Is anything impossible for the Lord? At the set time next year I will return to you, and Sarah will have a son.”
We learn that Sarah’s laughter was more than just that she didn’t believe she could have a child in her old age. Her real issue was that she didn’t trust in the Lord’s track record. We know the answer to the Lord’s question, “Is anything impossible for the Lord?” No there isn’t. Therefore, when the Lord Visits You in Your Tent, trust in him because he does what he says he is going to do.
You also have the promises from God to trust. God has promised, he “will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19). God has kept that promise. God has promised, “Still, the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and protect you from the Evil One” (2 Thess 3:3). God has kept that promise. God has promised, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim 4:18). Just as God has kept all his promises you can count on his promises for you. Do you need proof? (Point to the cross) “Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him?” (Rom 8:32). God gave us Jesus who lived, died and rose again. Therefore, When the Lord Visits Your Tent, Trust in his Promises!
The sermon is almost over and soon you will hear the blessing of the Lord. You will hear the Lord who wants to be with you and bless you. Yes, we are here today to offer the Lord our worship, praise, offerings, and prayers. But, more importantly, we are here because the Lord want to visit us. And he doesn’t want to just visit us for an hour on Sunday, but throughout your life. So, be ready, like Abraham, When The Lord Visits Your Tent to Welcome Him, Serve Him, Listen to Him and Trust in him. Yes, throughout your whole life, may your prayer and attitude be, “Come, Lord, Jesus, Be Our Guest!” Amen!
