Genesis -Chapter 18- Hospitality and Honor

In reading chapter 18 of Genesis, I have learned alot about hospitality and honor. Why not read this chapter in your own Bible. No doubt, you will find this account familiar, it was when Abraham showed hospitality to messengers of God.

The Greek word translated hospitality is: phi-lo-xe-ni 'a, made up of two root words, meaning "love" and "stranger". So hospitality means "love of strangers". It involves a person's feelings and affections. It is much more than merely performing a duty or obligation, it actually is an expression of genuine fondness and affection. Yes, genuine hospitality transcends the division and discrimination due to prejudice or fear. (Compare Jesus words: Matt 5:46, 47)

Abraham's God Jehovah was the perfect host. Jehovah shows kindness and is generous with all his possessions to everyone, never showing partiality. (Matt 5:45; Psl 145:16; Acts 14:17) Also, most importantly, Jehovah is very generous with spiritual provisions, providing a just means of becoming reconciled to him. -Romans 5:8, 10. God never left us on our own, but provides the proper guidance, we need in our imperfect state. (Ps 119:105; 2 Tim 3:16)

Verses: 1-15

As we read these verses we can see how Abraham imitated his God in displaying kindness, by showing hospitality.

Abraham discerned that three men, strangers some distance away were actually messengers from Jehovah. These visitors were both unknown and unexpected, by Abraham, but according to the custom in those days, a traveler in a strange place could expect to be cared for. But Abraham did not wait for these strangers to exercise this right, but he took the initiative! Yes, Abraham "began running" to meet these strangers- and "in the heat of the day"- at the age of 99 years old! His concern for their needs was paramont in his mind, a very positive quality indeed! Abraham wanted to support these messengers, who were obviously on a mission from Jehovah. Following the lead of her husband, in this matter of hospitality, Sarah worked along with Abraham preparing an extraordinary meal for these unexpected strangers, who were traveling by. To serve up such a fine meal in this warm climate, everything had to be prepared very quickly, in fact the scripture refers to Abraham "running" to get this meal on the table in a timely manner. In spite, of the feast Abraham prepared, he describes this provision in humble terms. (Gen 18:4,5) This teaches us that even those of little means can be hospitable, because it is the concern for the welfare and the desire to do good to others, to the best our circumstances allow, that is the most important in God's eyes. (Proverbs 15:17)

Both Abraham and Sarah laughed at the angelic announcement that they would have a son in their old age. Abraham was not reproved for his laughter, but Sarah was, she even fearfully tried to deny her laughter. It appears that Abraham's laugher was a result of joy over the amazing prospect of having a son by Sarah, in spite of their old age. But Sarah's laughter evidently was because the same amazing prospect struck her as humorous. Yes, she laughed within herself at the thought of an old man and an old woman having a child. However, neither one showed scorn or deliberate mocking in their laughter. Abraham and Sarah's, reactions are recorded as demonstrating faith in God's promise. (Compare: Romans 4:1, 18-22: Hebrews 11:1, 8-12)

I found it interesting that Issac means: laughter.

Follow the course of hospitality! Abraham did and see what blessings he received! Yes, a wonderful promise of a son by his beloved wife, Sarah!

The word "honor" is often used in the Bible to indicate the respect, esteem, and consideration that we should show others. We honor others by being kind to them, respecting their dignity, listening to their viewpoint, being ready to fulfill reasonable requests made of us. This is the way Jehovah treated Abraham.

Verses: 16-19:

In these next verses I found that Jehovah showed honor to Abraham by communicating with him about the near future. Jehovah explains his purpose for Abraham and his offspring, and letting Abraham know what he is going to do as regards to Sodom and Gomorrah.

"For the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants the prophets"-Amos 3:7.

Verses: 20-33:

We can see how Jehovah sets the example in showing honor in these verses. Jehovah created us with free will and does not treat us like mere robots. (1 Peter 2:16) Notice, Jehovah's conversation with Abraham, when he told Abraham that Sodom was to be destroyed for it's wickedness. Abraham asked, "Will you really sweep them away and not pardon the place for the sake of fifty?" Jehovah answered that he would spare the city for the sake of fifty righteous ones. Abraham continued to plead humbly. What if there were only 45? 40? 30? 20? 10? Jehovah assured Abraham that he would not destroy Sodom if just ten righteous men were found.

Jehovah knew there were not ten righteous men in Sodom, yet he honored Abraham by listening to his view and dealing with Abraham respectfully. Some people may wonder why the Sovereign of the Universe, the Creator of the heavens and the earth allowed Abraham such freeness of speech, to speak in this way. Remember, Jehovah was aware of Abraham's distressed feelings. He knew that Abraham's nephew Lot lived in Sodom, and Abraham was concerned about his safety. Also, Abraham was God's friend. (James 2:23) Friends try to discern the feelings behind words and make allowances, especially if he is a friend who is under emotional pressure of some kind. This account gives me much comfort, knowing we can approach our God with freeness of speech, no matter what the subject and Jehovah will be understanding.

Jehovah has given his servants both in heaven and on earth important assignments, but prayers are reserved for himself alone. Yes, Jehovah honors humans by allowing them to come to him directly in prayer. He is the "hearer of prayer", this freeness of speech is important especially when we are distressed and emotionally distraught. (Psalm 51:17; 65:2, 3)

Jehovah listens to the concerns of the hearts of his loyal ones, Showing them honor.

As we continue in our Bible reading we will learn another fact about our Creator:
Jehovah does not destroy people indiscriminately. He protects the righteous.

Here We Are!

Latest FAMILY Picture!

Ready for Work

The way to be comfortable at work and look good too!

This is my second Punjabi suit. I do love it. This one has little mirrors sewed into the bodice along with beads. Koen likes them, the reflections from the mirrors drive the cats crazy.

My new addiction-

Yes, YoVille! It is a social/network/game you may play. It does curb my appetite for shopping and I am able to use some creativity in decorating my virtual Apartment. Without spending real money I can shop for clothes for my little avatar. (Avatar=little character, I think of my avatar as a virual paperdoll, named, Dalinda Annor.) I use my imagination too, because in my virtual world, yes, I did say my virtual world, I live with a number of toy penquins and monkees! They keep my life on line, busy.

Now, before you think I have gone completely bonkers, please let me explain. I can invite my freinds to play with me and some of them have excepted my invitation. I can entertain my guests in my decorated apt. and have conversations with them, and go out to eat, or dancing, even the beach!

Becky comes by quite often, here is her little, Hortense: This is my little Dalinda Annor:
All I can say is: "No I'm not completely nuts! It is cheaper than Air Fare to Chicago, and I can visit everyday if I want to."

Thanks Becky!

Well....Yes, I am on Facebook

After, swearing I would never have a facebook wall, I did after all, enter this cyber world.

I am by nature a very private person, so the idea of facebook, for me, to put mildly, TERRIFING!

My life is full and sometimes overwhelming, so why add one more thing to my busy schedule?

Pictures are worth, Ten Thousand words. So I give you:

Though I have no picture of them, please in your mind picture Phil and his family!

So, there you go! I'm on facebook. If I have not confirmed you as a friend please do not be offended as I am new and slow at getting my feet wet in this very public arena. Everyone, is welcome on my blogspot and I enjoy your comments very much.

Next, I will write about my new addiction....Thanks to my cousin Becky!

It's Hot Today!!!!!

The pump in the swamp cooler died last night! We have discovered that it is not the season to find replacement pumps. However, Dennis called around and found one in Hemet! The hottest place around!

Here's where I want to be!

Our Trip to Little India!

A while back, Dennis and I went to Long Beach to finish off our Friday and Saturday Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses. We actually stayed in Artesia, just up the freeway from Long Beach.
Of course, our convention was upbuilding with many encouraging words and we received a new songbook this year! We saw many friends we hadn't seen in a long time & spending time with them made this a happy occasion!

Artesia is an interesting place. Why? Because there is a large community of people who are originally from India. In Artesia, there is a street, a little neighborhood really, Little India, they call it. So we had to investigate!

On our way back to our motel Saturday night, I looked for a sweet shop so I could pick up a little something new for breakfast. We found this place (above) and it was packed, I mean packed with people, ordering, eating, visiting, this place was alive with activity. I was a little intimidated, but explained to the East Indian gentleman behind the counter, that I had never been in an Indian sweet shop before, could he suggest something. Of course, the line was long behind me, but he was patient and pointed out a few good, but strange looking desserts. I have never bought desserts, by the pound before, that was very different. I picked out just three small items, when I went to pay, this man with the patience of Job, informed me, "Cash only, no debit cards". I was disappointed, but this kind person waved me off saying, "You pay, next time you come back." So, I went back to our motel with our strange breakfast.

Traditional Dress, very popular here in Little India.

The next morning I ate our sweets. I would like to be able to describe them to you, but it is impossible, as there is nothing in the western world to compare them with. I will say, one of them was shaped like a donut hole, it had been soaked in a sweet syrup, not sickingly sweet, but just right. The texture was very unusal, the other sweet was full of seeds, nuts, and also had the sweet syrup, and spices I could not identify, but very interesting.

After breakfast I headed out to the ATM machine, got some cash and we dashed back to the sweet shop. The kind man behind the counter recognized me as I stood in line behind two Hindu women, in their traditional garb, I watched them buy their sweets and asked one of them what she liked. She explained to me, that she was not a big sweet eater, but they were buying their sweets for a prayer meeting, and would pass them out to the men. The women were to fast that day, for the health of their husbands, & have a long life. I believe they were Hindu. Very freindly, I asked how they felt about western women wearing their traditional clothing. Both of these beautiful women, smiled and said they like it. So, I asked where they go to buy their clothing. They pointed me in the direction of a small shop, just up the road.
Then, it was my turn and I ordered some sweets to share with the girls in my office. I liked the ones full of nuts and seeds. I paid for them with cash, reminding the man I owed him for yesterday, his response was, "Yes, how much was that?" I found these people extremely, freindly and hospitable.

Of Course, Dennis and I headed over to check out the clothing store. I was curious. Dennis played suduko in the car. I entered a small, hole in the wall dress shop, exploding with colors!!!!
I explained to the shop owner that my husband liked the Punjabi suits, and I was curious about these suits, if they would really be as comfortable as they looked. He picked out several for me to try. I prefer the cotton fabric, over synthetic. As I tried these garments on, Ronish, the owner, went out to the car and visited with Dennis. They were very very comfortable. Ronish, explained that half his business was from American women, many from Hollywood. Yes, I bought three beautiful suits! As we were leaving, Ronish again came out to the car say good bye to Dennis. He then said, "Next time, we will put you in a sari!" Yeah, I am looking forward to that.

Before we left Little India we stopped for ice cream with wonderful flavors. Flavors like Cardamon, Saffron, Rose, and fruits I never heard of before. I LOVED them all!

Colorful and Flavorful

Here I am, very comfortable and it's amazing how really feminine I feel!