(vs3-5)"My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. "Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. "And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant." They said, "Do as you have said."
Do what you've said, giving glory to Christ. Don't vow and not pay, but live the life confessed by you in baptism. Fulfill your ministry, keep your word, and serve the God you love. Eccl 5 says, “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed – better not to vow than to vow and not pay” (vs4).
First, Abraham knew that his Master was there, and by revelation, we know too. Scripture says, “Then the Lord appeared to him by the plains of Mamre... so he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them” and bowed himself to the ground” (vs1-2).
We see Him where others cannot, in good works, in obedience, and in the promises. We are not blind. God reveals who He is, even the mystery of Christ crucified, who is our life. He is not the most important part of our life, but we see Him as everything, “for when Christ who is our life appears, then you will also appear with Him in glory” (Col 3:4). We see Him in the commands, because we still see no condemnation, even while He tells us what to do. He said to the former adulteress, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:11). We see Him in the volume of the book, saving us, as Lord over all and Judge of all the earth. We see His glory, where others cannot, so we're provoked and compelled to love. Paul affirms, “For the love of Christ compels us (2 Cor 5:14).
Secondly, serve Him. Paul said elsewhere, "complete the doing of it" (2 Cor 8:11). Intentions are not enough. Engage God for fruit, for love, for service. Be changed by prayer, even as the Lord Jesus who “took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and his robe became white and glistening” (Luke 9:28-29). Do what He has said, which is what you've confessed as His disciple, and water will turn to wine. Be doers and not talkers. Do it.
Thirdly, we have help. The vision gave Abraham the power. Just as his wife helped him, the church as a whole helps us do God's will, encouraging, teaching, and maximizing our own happiness and joy. I rejoice to hear gospel hip hop and I'm elevated while listening to music that keeps me Christ-focused. It says of Sarah, Abraham's helper, “So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes” (Gen 18:6). She helped him serve God, and those who do God's will find Him able to help us more than we ask or think. Paul says, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph 3:20).
Finally, you be a Sarah to someone. Help them serve God, and serve Him yourself, thereby.
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