Heavenly Visitors

Genesis 18:1-21

Immanuel – 2/19/23

Everywhere we look in Scripture, when God visits man there comes salvation and judgment, life and death, blessing and curse. It is inevitable when humanity is confronted with Him who is Holy, Holy, Holy! For, as Hebrews 12:29 declares, “Our God is a consuming fire!” Every person who trusts in God is purified by the Refiner’s fire. All who reject God are devoured in the inferno of His wrath.

Once again, this morning, we come to another passage where salvation and judgment come in combination. But today we will apply our focus to the elements of salvation, and next week we will closely consider judgment.

Purpose

1. Abraham models hospitality for the people of God.

2. God chooses to highly esteem His prophets.

Read Genesis 18:1-21

See how in verse 10 one of the visitors declares, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” God made the same promise to Abraham in the last chapter, that within a year’s time Sarah would bear a son.

As we saw last week, between chapters 16 and 17 thirteen years had elapsed. But it’s only been a short time between chapters 17 and 18 - perhaps a few weeks. Even though Abraham is clearly able to move around, it’s very likely he hasn’t completely healed from the circumcision. The time has been that brief.

Read vs 1-2a

Let’s take a moment to set the scene.

Abraham is still residing, or long-term camping, by the oaks of Mamre outside of Hebron. Remember, large and ancient trees held spiritual significance in the pagan culture of that day, even in some pagan cultures of our day. They believe the trees connected them with the heavens and they could commune with the gods by their base. Before Yahweh revealed worship that pleased Him, the oaks of Mamre were as close to a temple as Abraham could get.

It’s interesting to note that Genesis does not mark time as we do – 10:30, noon – with our measurements of time. Rather, Genesis uses environmental factors to mark time. In previous chapters time was marked like, As the sun was going down (15:12), or When the sun had gone down and was dark (15:17). Now, in 18:1, we are in the heat of the day.

People in the ancient world, and even in many parts of the world today, wisely choose not to work during the heat of the day. I remember being in Zambia working on a mission’s project planting trees – digging holes in the hard soil, moving rich soil across the compound where we wanted the trees to grow – and all of this with an old Zambian groundskeeper. It was sweaty work, and he wasn’t afraid to sweat; but around noon he disappeared for an hour, maybe two. I remember because I never really knew when he would return. I quickly learned that he wasn’t just taking a long lunch, he was escaping the heat of the day.

That’s what Abraham is doing as chapter 18 opens. He’s likely had a busy morning and now that the sun is high it’s hot. He rests in the shady tent opening; not going inside where it’s stuffy but sitting where he could catch a breeze.

Then, apparently without seeing them approach, standing by the temple of trees, three men appear. Immediately, Abraham recognizes that these are no ordinary men.

Read vs 2b-5

The Perfect Host

Though there are three visitors, one of them stands out to Abraham; for he addresses only one as Adonai, my Lord. Perhaps it’s the proximity to the trees, or the nature in which the men suddenly appear, or some other unwritten reason; Abraham knows that these are heavenly visitors. And based on his greeting, he recognizes one of them as a manifestation of God – Jehovah-Magen – El-Shaddai – Yahweh.

To be explicit and clear, Abraham is visited by God and two angelic beings. Thus the deep humility of Abraham, lowering himself to the dirt and saying, If I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.

If anyone in the whole world could have been confident that God favored him, it was Abraham. God made covenant with him, appeared to him multiple times, and God so clearly orchestrated things for the benefit of Abraham. And yet Abraham shows no sign of arrogance, even refusing to presume that God favors him.

And this profound humility informs Abraham’s profound demonstration of hospitality. Could not have Abraham summoned servants to do all the work as he and the guests met with one another? Absolutely! But he does not. Instead, he eagerly becomes the hospitable servant, and he offers to care for numerous unspoken needs: washing dirty feet, resting under the shade of the tree, refreshments of food and drink.

How could the three visitors refuse? They agree to linger.

Read vs 6-8

We see Abraham initiate this tornado of activity around camp, quickly delegating various jobs – among them he has Sarah make cakes. Other things he gathers himself. Then, under the trees, he sets before his three guests a veritable feast. But Abraham doesn’t partake. He stands aside watching and waiting, almost like we might imagine a butler, eager to serve any needs of the guests.

Brothers and sisters, there is so much we can learn from Abraham’s hospitality! Abraham is inviting guests into his home that don’t exactly make him feel comfortable. He isn’t even sure they like him, when he says, If I have found favor in your sight. None-the-less, he humbly and eagerly invites them in as if it would be a genuine honor to serve them.

And the hospitable heart of Abraham is to be found in our Christian hearts.

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. -Hebrews 13:2

All of us are to practice hospitality. So many Christians simply say, “That is not my gifting,” and use that as an excuse. Though there are some people especially gifted in showing hospitality, it is sinful and shameful for Christians not to demonstrate hospitality.

For when the Apostle Paul lists the marks of a true Christian, he writes:

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

-Romans 12:13

Yes, we are all to demonstrate hospitality, not just to friends and those that we are comfortable with, but even to strangers. And going even further, Jesus was not afraid to eat with prostitutes, with unclean Gentiles, with tax collectors from the opposing political party. Even if Jesus did not own a home to demonstrate hospitality with, He demonstrated hospitality by giving everything to bring them into His family – as He did for each of us.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.

-Romans 5:6-8,10

You and I were enemies of God, destined for His wrath. Christ died to reconcile our relationship with God, that we could be forgiven and declared righteous before our Holy God. Christ brought us into His everlasting household; and look at how great His sacrifice!

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

-Romans 15:7

Can we not show hospitality to people who are strange, or dirty, or difficult, or rejected by so many others? Did not Jesus welcome you in with your many imperfections?

Hospitality isn’t about entertaining people in your home, though that could be a part of it. It is being warm and welcoming. It is about serving in humility and honoring them. It is giving people dignity and respect in practical ways. Sometimes it is about sacrificing your own resources for other’s good. Hospitality is about welcoming people into your life even if it’s vulnerable.

Follow Jesus in hospitality, even if it’s hard, even if it feels like you are dying to yourself. Follow Abraham, Christ-like in his own right: eager to invite, eager to serve, perceiving needs before they are spoken, eager to meet them all. And, like Abraham, let us demonstrate such hospitality without a word of complaint.

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. -1 Peter 4:9

And one more note: as you know, we are walking through the process of electing new elders – or overseers – here at Immanuel, giving you the opportunity to recommend men you feel are qualified. Hospitality should be among your considerations.

An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach… -1 Timothy 3:2

The elders of Immanuel are to be some of the most spiritually mature men in this church. They each should have a hospitable, welcoming, servant’s heart.

Read vs 9-12

For Sarah

With these words we come to understand one of the primary reasons why the Lord has appeared again in so short a time: He came to speak the covenant promise to Sarah, even if it appears indirect. Just as He did for Abraham, the Lord is increasingly, progressively bringing Sarah into awareness of His covenant relationship.

Though He asks where Sarah is, the Lord clearly knew her location. In the very next verse, He reveals that in His divine knowledge He even knows what she is thinking. He knows where she is. But the Lord’s question is not about finding Sarah. It’s about getting Sarah to listen.

In your own experience, you know that if someone says your name, you perk up and listen, even if you are not a part of the conversation. This is what the heavenly visitor is doing, getting Sarah’s attention; and it works, for she clearly hears Him.

Though God is speaking to Abraham, the words are truly for Sarah. “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”

For the first time, Sarah hears the promise with her own ears; and just as her husband did, she laughs with doubt. It’s almost a bitter amusement. Beyond hearing she quietly mutters to herself of all the reasons it’s impossible. She is 90, long past the years of fertility. She even implies that Abraham may not be able to do his part. How could she possibly have the pleasure of having a son?

Then the Lord exposes her private doubts.

Read vs 13-15

(Parenthesis)

Here we again find something that should amaze us about the Bible. There is not a single hero or heroine of Scripture that is not stained by sin, by moral failure, by brokenness – none but the Lord Himself. The Bible is astoundingly unafraid of sin’s all-pervasiveness, even in the symbolic Father and Mother of our faith. May this both authenticate Scripture to us as true to life, and draw us to worship Him who lived without spot or blemish.

(Close Parenthesis)

Let us gaze in awe at this heavenly visitor who knows the inner thoughts of man (and woman). It is more clear than ever, this is heavenly visitor is none other than God Himself.

You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether…Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

-Psalm 139:3-4,6

If God knows the secret thoughts of a doubting woman, if He can cause Abraham’s relatively small militia to defeat the 4 battle hardened armies of the east, if He can bring blessings when there should have been curses; then, as God asks in verse 14, Is anything too hard for the Lord? Sarah lied about her laughter, but the Lord said, ”Oh yes you did laugh.”

When you are in a covenant relationship with God, as was Sarah, as are all of you who are in Christ, then do no be surprised when He exposes your unbelief. He exposes it so that where faith is weak, He can strengthen it. And He strengthens it by assurance of promise. In verse 14 again, the Lord speaks of the promised child.

Make no mistake, this promise of a son is a promise of salvation. God promised to create life in the barrenness of death. When a family line was practically in the grave, God promised to spring it to life. It was a foreshadowing of a promised Son that would bring resurrection to all mankind.

You might think, if God would just show me, if He would just work a miracle, or fulfill His promise in my sight, then I would believe. But that is no longer belief! Already possessing is no longer needing to believe. Instead He reminds you of His promises, His goodness, His righteousness, His Love, and His power.

And that is precisely what He does next.

Read vs 16

Chosen Prophets

The three heavenly visitors get up and leave Abraham’s care and they looked down towards Sodom. This phrase, looking down towards Sodom, is language of judgment. For God looks down upon the wickedness of men and executes His judgements from heavens throne.

The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. -Psalm 14:2-3

God looks down upon Sodom with judgment in His eyes. The wickedness of its people is complete. When we come to chapter 19 we will be confronted with just how revolting its evils have become. But before judgements are pronounced, we get an incredible revelation of His love.

Read vs 17-18

Abraham is now walking with the three men. Perhaps he saw the fire in the Lord’s eyes as He looked upon Sodom. And then the text takes us inside the mind of the Lord as He holds dialogue with Himself. Should He let Abraham in on what He is about to do: destroy Sodom and Gomorrah?

This inner dialogue has a point, and it is not to show us that God is like a man, questioning His own thoughts, making up His mind on the fly. No! God has laid His plans before the foundations of the world! This inner dialogue is to show us, the readers, something unbelievably awesome about God’s relationship with the prophets.

God so highly regards His prophets that He chooses to first reveal His plans to them.

For the Lord God does nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets. -Amos 3:7

The inner dialogue of the Lord does not reveal the uncertainty of His mind; it reveals that He considers Abraham to be a friend.

Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend. -Isaiah 41:8

True friends hold council with one another. For the remainder of this chapter, God demonstrates His friendship with Abraham by holding council with him. Though Abraham knew His rightful position before the Lord was that of a humble servant, with this dialogue the Lord elevates him to position of friend.

And why does God call Abraham His friend?

Read vs 19

And why does God call Abraham His friend? Not because Abraham has earned it, but because He has chosen to do so. Abraham will become a great nation, he will have children, his children will walk in righteousness; all because the Lord has chosen Abraham and Abraham’s offspring.

The Hebrew word used here for chosen is yada. It conveys the idea of loving election, an intimate personal knowing. Here’s an example of the same word used elsewhere:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” -Jeremiah 1:5

Here we must pivot, because as we have seen week after week, if we have faith in Jesus we are the offspring of Abraham. And if we are the offspring of Abraham, then we too are friends of the Lord.

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you.

-John 15:15-16

Do you see the striking parallels? Christ calls us friends, not because we have chosen Him, but because He has loved us and elected us. And what He hears from the Father, He speaks to us; just as He once revealed His will to Abraham.

In the Old Testament, anyone that God had revealed His will to was called a prophet. Now that we are in Christ by faith, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:12, we have the mind of Christ! This means that in this new covenant age we are all prophets of God – a prophethood of all believers. Indeed, the Holy Spirit that gave revelation to the prophets of old now permanently dwells within our hearts, saturating us with the revelation of Christ and His kingdom.

He chose us in [Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will… making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.

-Ephesians 1:4-5,9-10

O, how holy these words! Before He said let there be light, God knew you and loved you and chose you. He elected you to be righteous. He predestined you to be His sons and daughters.

And as His sons and daughters, He has made His mind known to you. Everything you see, everything you have ever known, God is uniting it all in Jesus Christ our Lord. The gospel of Jesus Christ draws heaven and earth together! If you can see this, then count yourself among the elect prophethood of all believers, to the praise of His glory!

God lavished His love upon Abraham by choosing him to be His friend. How much more has God lavished His love upon us, who has given us His one and only Son, that if we believe in Him we have everlasting life!

Now, if God has chosen you, to bring you into His family, to lavish His generous grace upon you, you who were His enemy; how much more should you show hospitality to your brothers and sisters in Christ? How about to the lost looking for someone to show them their home? Abraham is the father of our faith: the prophet, the friend of God, and the perfect host.

If today you feel like you are lost and without a home, you will find rest not in a house or a vacation or a fat check, but in a man from heaven. Let not the scorching heat of a high pressure world overcome you. Awake! Just as He did with Abraham, the Lord stands before you.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. -Revelation 3:20

If you want a deeper understanding of what this means, I’d be happy to talk with you after service; as would any here who know and love Jesus Christ our Lord.

You may have noticed that I skipped verses 20 and 21. I have not forgotten. I leave them for next week, when I will combine them with the continuing and incredible dialogue between God and Abraham.