Visiting with God

Genesis 18 describes an unexpected visit that God makes to his friend, Abraham. In the previous chapter, God has established a new covenant with Abraham, God has renamed Abraham, and the entirety of Abraham’s house has been circumcised in response. Suffice to say, Abraham was having a pretty eventful season of life.

Most likely there were a lot of things being done in new ways, a lot of routines shaken up, and the majority of the males in Abraham’s house would not have been fit for full duty. It’s at this moment that God himself visits Abraham, in the flesh.

If you’ve ever hosted, you know this would have been a mess. Kid’s toys would have been everywhere, the dogs were probably barking, people were dodging the heat of the hottest part of the day, and that’s the moment God stopped by for lunch. What follows is a quick scramble for hospitality (Sarah, make those wonderful cakes you make, with the good flour!), and then a conversation between Abraham and God about the city of Sodom.

There is no food exquisite enough, no table elaborate enough, and no opulence decadent enough to properly receive the creator of the universe. But, when you have lunch with a friend, any meal can seem like a feast, and any time can be the best time.

Think of the friend or, if you’re especially blessed, friends who have a permanent invite at your table. God wants that kind friendship with you. God doesn’t want your fine china, elaborate meals, and the good candlesticks, God wants you.

What would that kind of friendship look like in your life?


Genesis 18