JUNE 23, Genesis 18:1-5

In Abraham’s days, hospitality was very important and common practice. Anyone who came into a family’s tent or home was considered to be under their protection. Strangers were never turned away. Whenever a visitor came, he would be given a meal whatever the time. Even an enemy would be fed!

One hot day, when Abraham was sitting at the doorway of his tent, three men arrived and stood before him. The moment Abraham spotted them, he ran to greet the strangers. We are not told whether Abraham knew who the three men were at that time. He did address one of them as ‘My Lord’. But we do know how warmly Abraham welcomed them. He bowed humbly and invited them to his home for a rest. He offered to bring water to wash their feet and invited them to rest under the tree. At the same time Abraham offered to bring them some food. Notice what Abraham offered to bring. It was ‘a morsel of bread’. A morsel means a small piece. Would Abraham serve his guests just a small piece of bread?

The Bible said that Abraham went into the tent and asked Sarah to help prepare a meal Sarah was asked to bake bread and he went to take care of the meat. Abraham directed a servant to kill and prepare a calf for meat so that he could serve it to his guests together with milk and butter. Abraham stood by them under the tree while the guests ate. Although it was such a sumptuous meal, Abraham humbly called it ‘a morsel of bread’. Abraham was generous. One of his guests was none other than the Lord Jesus Christ himself ! The other two were angels.

Thought: Abraham was humble and generous and God blessed him greatly.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, make me humble and help me share generously with others what Thou have given me. This could include my time and kindness. Through these, I hope I can learn to be a more practical Christian. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.