Description
Last week we met Abram and Sarai in Genesis Chapter 12. God asked Abram to leave his country, his family and his relatives, and go with Sarai to a new land. God also promised to bless Abram and that Abram would be a blessing to many others. Today we catch up with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis Chapter 18. Between Chapter 12 and Chapter 18 something remarkable has happened. God has appeared to Abram again, God has reminded Abram of God’s promises to him and God has changed Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah. Names can be very significant!
When seeking to be more engaging and participatory in our gathered communities, the focus can often be on the Old Testament and Gospel readings for the day. Whilst this is not a bad thing, it does mean that the suggested readings from the New Testament letters can be often overlooked. Thus, this resource includes an invitation to engage in a participatory way with the reading of Romans 5:1-8. Depending on the specific context in which it is used, it can be expanded into further exploration of the text.
As People of God we have inherited God’s promise to reconcile the world to Godself. We have new life, hope and redemption; a promise fulfilled in Jesus who lived, died and rose again. In the Matthew 9:35 to 10:8 passage Jesus demonstrates his love and compassion for the crowds of people following him. He offers grace and healing. He shares good news of the kingdom. He likens them to sheep without a shepherd.
Returning to Genesis 18:1-15, Abraham and Sarah offer generous hospitality to three strangers. What is our experience of lavish hospitality? What might it cost us to offer such generous hospitality?
Written and Compiled by Judyth Roberts
