The Son of PromiseThe last scene of circumcision involved everyone: not only Ishmael—but also all the males of Abraham’s household were circumcised (Gen.17:23–27). The word kol, “all,” “every,” is repeated four times (Gen.17:23, 27). It is against this inclusive background that God appears toAbraham to confirm the promise of a son, “Isaac.”Read Genesis 18:1–15 and Romans 9:9. What lessons of hospitalitydo we learn from Abraham’s reception of his visitors? How do youexplain God’s response to Abraham’s hospitality?It is not clear whether Abraham knew who these strangers were(Heb. 13:2), even though he acted toward them as if God Himself wereamong them. He was sitting “in the tent door in the heat of the day”(Gen. 18:1, NKJV), and because visitors are rare in the desert, he wasprobably longing to meet with them. Abraham ran toward the men(Gen. 18:2), although he was 99 years old. He called one of these per-sons Adonai, “my Lord” (Gen. 18:3), a title often used for God (Gen.20:4, Exod. 15:17). He rushed around them in the preparation of themeal (Gen. 18:6, 7). He stood next to them, attentive to their needs andready to serve them (Gen. 18:8).Abraham’s behavior toward heavenly strangers will become an inspiringmodel of hospitality (Heb. 13:2). In fact, Abraham’s attitude of reverenceconveys a philosophy of hospitality. Showing respect and care towardstrangers is not just a nice gesture of courtesy. The Bible emphasizes thatit is a religious duty, as if directed toward God Himself (compare withMatt. 25:35–40). Ironically, God is identified more with the hungry andneedy foreigner than with the generous one who receives them.On the other hand, the divine intrusion into the human sphere denotesHis grace and love toward humanity. This appearance of God antici-pates Christ, who left His heavenly home and became a human servantto reach humankind (Phil. 2:7, 8). God’s appearance here providesevidence for the certainty of His promise (Gen. 18:10, NKJV). He seesSarah, who hides herself “behind him” (Gen. 18:10), and knows hermost intimate thoughts (Gen. 18:12). He knows that she laughed, andthe word “laugh” is His last word. Her skepticism becomes the placewhere He will fulfill His word.Dwell more on the idea that “God is identified more with the hun-gry and needy foreigner than with the generous one who receivesthem.” Why is this concept so important for us to remember?