May 6, 2025
Genesis 18:1-8

The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord,[a] do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”
“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”
6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs[b] of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” 7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree

New International Version (NIV)
Hospitality may be a lost art. It is so rare that we know it when we see it. In the ancient world, God's people viewed hospitality as a sacred obligation. What would we do for God if he showed up at our house?

It happened to Abraham. In the heat of the day three guests knocked at the door of his tent. Abraham rolled out the red carpet. Only the best was good enough for his guests. Did he know it was the Lord?

People still need hospitality. Everybody is headed somewhere. Jesus taught that any act of kindness to another was a gift to him. God shows up near us regularly, often in distressing disguise. Look for him today. Like the Good Samaritan, spare no expense. Whatever we do for the least we do for the Lord.


Pray with me:
Father, thank you for giving us your very Best when we were most in need. Show us the appointments you have set for us to show kindness today. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Our Monday through Friday devotionals are in the book of Genesis this year. Join us for these devotionals as we learn together about our God and his Kingdom in the world.  

We also invite you to join us as we read through the Bible. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:
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