Monday 1 June 2026
- Bible Book:
- Genesis
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. (v. 1)
Background
On the face of it, today’s reading is all about hospitality and challenges us to offer rest and refreshment to travellers – especially to strangers. This is a good point to start: a question for today is how do we offer nourishment to visitors?
But the story is more than that. In the invitation to enter into conversation with strangers comes a miraculous promise. Three times in verse 11 Abraham says it is biologically not possible for himself and his wife Sarah to have children. Time has run out for them. The reply comes: “Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?” (v. 14) This is a supernatural response to their desire and reminds us of the angel’s visit to Mary and Gabriel’s statement “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). It also challenges us to ask ourselves about how we prepare ourselves to hear from God through the voice of others (even those unknown to us).
More than that even, this whole encounter starts with the appearance of God (v. 1). This is not a prophetic utterance from a stranger. God has brought this scene together, directed it and written the script. This is the story of all God’s people. It’s not about a God who grants our wishes but who includes us in his story. It's an account of how God makes provision through Sarah and Abraham for our salvation.
To Ponder:
- I wonder what you make of this story and how it resonates with your own journey with God. How does God come to you and what promises do you hear?
- Is there a way for you to see the bigger divine plan and your part in it? Do you have a sense of where God is able to use the blessings that are bestowed on you?
Prayer
Holy God, sometimes your call upon us causes us to laugh as Sarah did. Thank you that you are with us even when our hearts are far from laughter. Help us to trust in you and to see the blessings that you bestow upon us. Help us too to be a blessing and to care for all those we meet today, within your promise and providence. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd David Newlove
David is an Agricultural Chaplain, the Mission Area Lead for Cumbria in the North West England District and Superintendent of the Cumbria Circuit.