Fellowship With God - The One Year Worship the King Devotional
Fellowship with God
Read: Genesis 18:1-19
If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by.
Genesis 18:3
IN WORD Abraham received a special visit. One day, out of the blue, three “men” showed up—God and two angels, it seems by the time the rest of the story is told. After doing what was culturally appropriate for highly honored guests—providing shade and water and arranging a lavish meal—Abraham stood by and watched them eat. His hospitality was rewarded; God didn’t eat and run. In fact, God stayed, talked, reiterated an old promise, and divulged new secrets. Apparently, that’s what happens when God is welcomed with open arms.
Think of the implications! When God shows up in our lives—and He always does, although we are sometimes slow to recognize Him—we are to honor Him with our hospitality. Having done that, we can expect the same gift Abraham got: the God who lingers and speaks.
Does that seem like a stretch? After all, we never received the personal promises Abraham received. That covenant was unique to him, wasn’t it? But as Scripture goes on to say, we are heirs of the very same covenant (Romans 4:16). The special attention Abraham received is part of the inheritance. God may not deal with us in exactly the same way, but He deals with us with exactly the same character. His love and holiness aren’t exclusive to Abraham. His promise clearly extends beyond Abraham to many descendants and many nations (Genesis 12:3). The God who approached Abraham approaches us.
IN DEED Are you hospitable toward God? When He comes to you in the heat of the day, do you bow before Him, offer Him the refreshment of your hospitality, and give of your possessions? Do you aim to serve? Then don’t be surprised if God lingers. Don’t be surprised if He communicates with you as with a privileged friend. Show Him honor, and He’ll spend the day. That’s what Abraham did, and the blessings of fellowship with God were extended and intensified.
Hospitality is one form of worship.
—ANONYMOUS
