relationships (Genesis 18:1-8) Be a Humble Servant

(Genesis 18:1-8) Now the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth, 3 and said, “My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by. 4 Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree; 5 and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant.” And they said, “So do, as you have said.” 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it and make bread cakes.” 7 Abraham also ran to the herd, and took a tender and choice calf and gave it to the servant, and he hurried to prepare it. 8 He took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and placed it before them; and he was standing by them under the tree as they ate.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Here is something we can apply to our relationships!  Let us not focus on what the other person can do for us, but what we can do for them.  In any relationship, especially in a marriage, let's stop talking about doing things 50-50.  Consider how wonderful and loving it will be when we each give 100%.  Not only does this mean that both are receiving 100%, but in giving and serving, there are blessings in this. 

When the Lord approached Abraham, Abraham didn't assume that he was in good standing with the Lord, he asked Him first.  In this way, we should ask ourselves and ask the Lord if there is anything in our lives that need addressing.  If we have sinned, even though as believers all our sins have been forgiven, there is freedom, healing and blessings when we confess our sins.  As in any relationship, we should desire to work on our relationship with the Lord.  Are we just thinking about what the Lord will do for us, or are we thinking about what we can do for the Lord?!

In this short passage, we see Abraham recognizing the Lord (Jesus pre-incarnate)!  Then Abraham did what most people would do when they meet up with a king.  And, let's keep in mind, the Lord is not just the King of kings, but God Himself!!!  Therefore, Abraham did what he should!  He welcomed the Lord and the angels to his home, washed their feet, offered them bread, but then served them a feast while standing there right beside them in case they should need anything else from him.  A servant's heart is to recognize the Lord and desire to serve Him... our very best.  

Even though the Lord had just told Abraham that He would make a great nation from him, and kings would come from him, Abraham did not assume that he could just sit down with God and shoot the breeze.  Remember when the Lord came in flesh, He washed the feet of the disciples as an example for us.  Meanwhile, (not to throw the disciples under the bus, but) in that moment, the disciples who were lounging around the table with Jesus were arguing about who was the greatest among them...

(Luke 22:25-27)  And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles domineer over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ 26 But it is not this way for you; rather, the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. 27 For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

(Matthew 23:11-12)  But the greatest of you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.