Text: Genesis 18:7 KJV

Further Reading: Genesis 18:6-8

And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.

Genesis 18:7

MESSAGE

Being hospitable does not necessarily mean that you have everything but even in the little, you are still happy to welcome men. Hospitality is a means of giving that must be done heartily and cheerfully because God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7)

If you look closely at the exuberance and energy with which Abraham served these total strangers, you will be amazed. First He ran into the tent and ask Sarah to make cake or bread, and went into his herd to fetch a good animal to be prepared by a servant and finally he himself served these strangers. Between Genesis 18:1-8 alone, we have seen the word ran and hastened as actions performed by Abraham to welcome and serve these people.

Though Abraham was wealthy and had many servants, he didn’t delegate this task, he was humble enough to serve them and also wait on them. This brings to heart a lesson we must quickly draw out to many believers and it is being humble. Don’t be proud, God resists the proud but He gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

The mind of Christ is that of humility, though he was the Son of God but He humbled Himself. God then highly exalted him and gave him the highest name above every other (Philippians 2:5-11). If as a believer you are too proud to serve others, you need to check your salvation.

Finally, in our text, we read that Abraham waited on them. In plain English, he became like a restaurant waiter. He was there to see that everything that his guests lacked nothing. Be ready to wait on and serve people, don’t think of yourself as too big. The Lord Jesus again told us plainly, that the son of man is not come to be served but to serve others and give his life for many (Matthew 20:28).

There is nothing God is asking us to do that He has not done, which leaves us without excuse. The truth is that if you are not humble, you can not live a life of hospitality.

Be humble, wait on people and serve others joyfully.

REFLECTION

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:12

Are you kind and humble in showing hospitality to strangers? Reflect on this.

PRAYER

Father, please help me to be humble in service both towards You and men.