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Genesis 18:18 – Running to Hospitality (or Why Do Visitors Not Return?)
“Why did that visitor not come back?” Every church asks that question. Visitors are “gold” because they make the contact. Sometimes we never know. Was it they didn’t like non-instrumental music? Can’t help that. Was it they couldn’t find a place to sit with their family? Look for opportunities to move and personally offer seats. Was it they didn’t make a connection? Here’s help.
When God appeared to Abraham, He appeared as a theophany, along with two angels (Genesis 18). All Abraham saw were three “men” (v.2). There is an interesting verb repeated in this mini-scene and throughout Genesis. Every time except one, the same event is happening. Abraham, his servant, Rebekah, Rachel, and Esau all “ran” (18:2,7; 24:17,20,28,29; 29:12,13; 33:4). What is that event? Either showing or asking for hospitality.
Notice Abraham’s attitude. You might have missed it because of how it is worded, which is why this translation stuck out: “’I will bring a bit of bread so that you may strengthen yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. Later, you can continue on.’ ‘Yes,’ they replied, ‘do as you have said.’” (Gen 18:5 – HCSB). “This is why you have passed your servant’s way.” Abraham considered their incidental crossing as having purpose, an opportunity to serve.
Don’t let a visitor leave without letting them know you are there to serve them by practicing hospitality.
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