Hope and faith

July 26, 2021 (Monday)

 

Have you ever wondered if you have thought the Lord is not able?  It can happen in times of trouble. It can happen in the good times. But God has a way of surprising us.

 

Cue the dramatic music and settle in as we watch the drama of God fulfilling His plan for the ages  in something that, at the time, seemed past the human ability to imagine.  Genesis 18:1 begins our story, “And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day.” [ESV] Notice God catches Abraham when nothing else was happening. God had Abraham’s full attention.

 

I wonder how many times the Lord has walked past me, but I was absorbed in something and missed the chance to interact with Him. It is, as we say, human nature. It is the way of this life and the world we live in that we can become deaf to the voice of God and blind to opportunities.

 

Abraham extends hospitality to the Lord. Ancient custom was like that, if a traveler stopped by, every need was met. They didn’t have fast (or is it fat) food restaurants. There were not many, if any, inns or motels. Travelers were often at the mercy of the elements. The only rest for the thirsty, hungry, and weary was a kind person offering hospitality.

 

After the meal, the conversation turns interesting. “They said to him, “Where’s your wife Sarah?” And he said, “Right here in the tent.” [Genesis 18:9 CEB] It was not unusual for women to be out of sight while their husbands extended hospitality to a stranger. It would have been unusual for the traveler to ask about the wife. “Then one of the men said, “I will definitely return to you about this time next year. Then your wife Sarah will have a son!” Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him.” [Genesis 18:10 CEB] Imagine Sarah, she is almost 90 years old, yet her hearing is good enough to be eavesdropping.

 

Sarah’s reaction was not one of faith. The last time she was involved in the promise, she put her slave in Abraham’s bed to bear a child. But the promise was that Sarah would have a child. I can’t blame her for laughing. Seriously imagine a 100 year old man and a 90 year old woman having a baby. I think that might make the news.

 

God, somehow manages to go along with joke. He accommodates our lack of faith. I wonder if God takes great pleasure in surprising us with joy. The Lord’s response comes in the way of a lesson. Think about this for moment. What God is about to teach Abraham and Sarah is a new revelation in history. “Is anything too difficult for the Lord? When I return to you about this time next year, Sarah will have a son.” [Genesis 18:14 CEB]

 

I like how God puts this in the form of a question. It’s like He’s asking Abraham and Sarah what they believe. What sort of God are they interacting with? This is the moment in history God is separating Himself from other so-called “gods.” Today we know, by definition, God can do anything, any time, and any way He wants. As humans experiencing this, being used by God, we are simple there.

 

If you think you are special… God could use a rock or a donkey to do what you are doing. You and I are along for the ride. The only thing that does set us apart is “faith.” Paul explained it this way, “When it was beyond hope, he had faith in the hope that he would become the father of many nations…” [Romans 4:18a CEB] Faith is not logical, it believes God.

 

Paul continues, “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.” [Roman 4:20 – 21 NLT] Imagine being so convinced in God’s ability, you never waver.

 

I’m trying to imagine, but seriously do not fully understand God’s ability and what He wants to achieve. I only know there is more. I just pray I’m not holding a thimble to receive an ocean’s worth of God’s grace, love, and power. How very human of me to be doing that…