Grace and Mercy Displayed: Lessons from Genesis 18
This is based on the sermon from Genesis 18.
Grace and Mercy Displayed: Lessons from Genesis 18
Genesis 18 paints a beautiful picture of God’s grace and mercy at work in the lives of His people. Abraham’s encounter with the Lord shows us how God’s grace transforms His people to reflect His character through righteous living and prayerful intercession, ultimately pointing to Christ.
God’s Grace Through Hospitality
When three visitors appeared at Abraham’s tent, he responded with extraordinary hospitality (Genesis 18:1–8). Abraham provided water, bread, and a feast, offering his best to meet their needs. This wasn’t merely cultural politeness—it was a reflection of God’s abundant grace toward him.
Hospitality is an essential part of the Christian life. It models the love of Christ, creating opportunities for connection and gospel conversations. As Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” In her book The Gospel Comes with a House Key, Rosaria Butterfield describes hospitality as a way for others to experience God’s grace in tangible ways.
For Christians, hospitality is more than a social nicety. It’s an act of worship, a way to reflect the grace we’ve received. This week, consider using your home, time, or resources to demonstrate God’s grace to others.
Abraham’s hospitality reflects the grace of a God who provides abundantly for His people, but the story doesn’t stop there. Genesis 18 also invites us to wrestle with the challenges of faith. Just as Abraham modelled God’s grace through his actions, Sarah’s response to God’s promise reveals our struggles in trusting Him.
Faith in God’s Promises
Sarah’s laughter at God’s promise of a son (Genesis 18:9–15) reveals our struggle: trusting God when His promises seem impossible. Her cynicism stemmed from doubt, but God’s response—“Is anything too hard for the Lord?”—points to His power and faithfulness.
We often limit God’s power by focusing on our circumstances rather than His promises. But Genesis 18 reminds us that our limitations don’t bind God’s faithfulness. When faced with doubt, reflect on His past faithfulness and rest assured that nothing is too hard for Him.