Welcoming God Home

When I was in my school days, I remember us visiting a family friend named Divya in Chennai during summer holidays. She took me to meet a friend of hers who was so lovely. She was a pastor's daughter. We went to her house. Her face was so bright, and though she was young, she showed hospitality like she was excellent at it. She welcomed us, and she let us go only after we said yes and drank the rose milk she gave. We were thoroughly touched by her smile and by her heart that was ready to serve. Yes, hospitality can move people. Can it move God? Let's see..

When we read Genesis 18, we can see Abraham recognizing the three heavenly men and welcoming them into his tent. He repeatedly asked them to stay and dine at his house. One thing we should note is that it was the hottest time of the day. Women know how difficult it is to stay in the kitchen and do hard work and suffer the heat while preparing food in the summertime. Abraham never thought about receiving guests at such a time. His mind was completely focused on welcoming them. God is surely touched by his hospitality.

In verse 2, we can see him bowing down with his face touching the ground. In verse 3, he said, "Sirs, please do not pass by my home without stopping. I am here to serve you." Then in verse 5, he said, "You have honoured me by coming into my house, so let me serve you." We can see him repeatedly saying that he is willing to serve them. Then quickly, we see him on his toes to hurry the preparation of food.

Verse 6 says, Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, "Quick, take a sack of your best flour and bake some bread." He then urged the servant to prepare the calf too.

After this incident, God talked with Abraham and Sarah about the miracle they were going to receive soon. Then, if we continue reading, what we see next is God revealing His plans for Abraham's future generation, and we can also see Abraham interceding with God.

God watches all our moves. He delights in us when we welcome Him into our home. He delights to have fellowship with us. He is willing to reveal the plans He has for us and our generation. He is ready to listen to us interceding for people.

Similar to this, before giving the blessing, we can see Isaac asking his son Esau to cook for him. God doesn't rely on food to bless, but serving Him and doing His will brings us His favor. This can be seen in the life story of Cain and Abel too. God saw their heart, willing to honour Him with their whole heart. Hey friend, do you have an opportunity to serve God? It is an opportunity to honour Him with what we have got.

Are we able to understand the power of having a ready heart to welcome Him and be willing to serve Him?

Dear God, we welcome You into our house to visit us like how You came and visited Abraham. Be with us, Father. Hear our pleas and reveal Your plan for us. We are ready to serve You, Lord, with the best we have got. Give us Your visitation that will end our waiting.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.