Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

 

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Read

Genesis 18:1-8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.”

So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

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Reflect

Abraham sure ‘killed the fatted calf” for three men he had never met before. That was my first impression when I read this passage. Then I realized I was being cynical – a bit presumptuous. It should not have been surprise that Abraham did that at all. After all, he was Abraham. He loved God with his whole heart. And, it was his way, it was his custom, and it was his nature to be so openly accommodating to complete strangers.

We never know what God is going to call us to do. And God does not always call us to do the big stuff. God does not always give us a heads up that we are about to get a mission. And our mission may not be to entertain three strangers with a three-course meal. But God loves us, and wants us to love Him. Inherent in God’s love is God’s call. God calls us to do something for Him. If we love Him, we will be glad to do something that will bring a smile to His face.
Also, when you do everything you do to God’s greater good, you are telling the story of God’s loving grace in everything you do – little or big. In the end, you will get a smile on your face, too!

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Pray

O God, help us to be open to those opportunities when we can “entertain strangers.” Help us to trust that You will not lead us into temptation, that You will deliver us from evil, and that we will be blessed even as we serve You in the instantaneous. In the name and companionship of Christ, Amen.

Go with God!