Chapter 5: Visitors at the Oaks

Abraham sat at the entrance of his tent near the oaks of Mamre when three figures appeared on the horizon.

These were no ordinary travelers appearing in human form. One was the Lord Himself. The other two were angels.

Abraham did not yet understand who they were. But he ran to meet them. He bowed low. He begged them to stay.

ABRAHAM“My lords, do not pass by your servant. Let me bring water to wash your feet. Rest under this tree. Let me prepare food for you.”— Genesis 18:3-5

They agreed.

Abraham rushed to Sarah. "Quick — prepare bread from the finest flour." He ran to the herd and selected a tender calf. He brought curds and milk. He stood nearby while they ate, ready to serve.

This was hospitality as God intended. The opposite of everything Sodom had become.

Then the Lord spoke.

THE LORD“I will return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”— Genesis 18:10

Sarah, listening from inside the tent, laughed to herself. A child? She was ninety years old. Her husband was nearly a hundred. Impossible.

THE LORD“Why did Sarah laugh? Is anything too hard for the Lord?”— Genesis 18:13-14

Then the visitors rose and looked toward the valley — toward Sodom.

THE LORD“The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Their sin is very grave. I will go down and see whether they have done according to the outcry that has reached me.”— Genesis 18:20-21

Abraham's heart stopped. Lot.