God's Relentless Pursuit: Embracing Hospitality and Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: God Comes Near—The Lord Appears to Abraham

God is not distant or aloof; He draws near to His people, as seen in the remarkable story of Genesis 18 where the Lord Himself visits Abraham. This is not a God who stands far off, but One who enters into relationship, waits to be welcomed, and desires table fellowship with His people. The Lord’s presence is both awe-inspiring and intimate, showing that He is not only the all-powerful Creator but also the One who seeks closeness with us, inviting us to respond and welcome Him into our lives. [42:17]

Genesis 18:1-8 (ESV)
And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally welcome God’s presence into your daily life, making space for Him to draw near and speak to you today?

Day 2: Radical Hospitality—Welcoming Others as God Welcomes Us

Abraham’s generous welcome to strangers is a model of radical hospitality, echoing God’s own heart for reaching out and drawing near. The New Testament calls us to this same kind of open-heartedness, reminding us that in welcoming others, we may be welcoming God’s messengers unaware. In a world where true hospitality is rare, we are challenged to open our lives, homes, and hearts not just to our closest friends, but to those on the margins, reflecting the welcoming love of God to all. [45:45]

Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Reflection: Who is someone outside your usual circle that you can reach out to or invite into your life this week, showing them the welcoming love of Christ?

Day 3: God Does the Impossible—The Promise to Abraham and Sarah

God’s plan of salvation often unfolds through the impossible, as seen in His promise to Abraham and Sarah that they would have a child in their old age. This miracle was not given because of their righteousness or perfect faith, but because of God’s sovereign grace and purpose. God is able to do what seems unthinkable, both in the story of Abraham and Sarah and ultimately in the coming of Jesus, who was born of a virgin, lived, died, and rose again to bring salvation to all. [01:01:20]

Genesis 18:9-15 (ESV)
They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels impossible or hopeless—how can you bring it before God today, trusting Him to work in ways beyond your understanding?

Day 4: God Breaks Down Unbelief—The Miracle of Faith

God does not leave us in our unbelief; He gently but persistently challenges and transforms our hearts, just as He did with Sarah. The journey from skepticism to faith is itself a miracle, a work of God’s Spirit chiseling away at hardened hearts. No one is too far from God’s reach, and He delights in melting even the most resistant hearts, calling us to pray for ourselves and for others that He would continue this miraculous work of faith. [01:08:13]

Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Reflection: Is there an area of doubt or unbelief in your heart that you need to bring honestly before God, asking Him to soften and transform you today?

Day 5: The Gospel Comes with a House Key—Redeeming Community and Hospitality

The story of Abraham and the testimony of lives transformed by Christ remind us that the gospel is not just a message to be believed, but a life to be shared. True Christian community is marked by open doors, shared tables, and a willingness to welcome even those who are different or opposed to us. As God has drawn near to us, we are called to draw near to others, practicing hospitality that reflects the heart of Jesus and creates space for His transforming love to be experienced. [01:10:03]

Romans 12:13 (ESV)
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Reflection: What practical step can you take this week to make your home, your table, or your life a place where others can experience the love and welcome of Jesus?

Sermon Summary

God is not a distant, detached deity, but a God who relentlessly pursues, draws near, and invites us into relationship. The story of Abraham in Genesis 18 is a vivid picture of this: God appears in the form of three visitors, and Abraham, in the heat of the day, responds with overwhelming hospitality. This is not just a story about ancient customs or extravagant feasts; it’s a revelation of God’s character—a God who comes close, who waits to be invited in, and who desires table fellowship with His people. The Lord’s approach to Abraham is gentle and patient, not forcing His way but allowing Abraham the dignity of invitation. This echoes the image of Jesus in Revelation, standing at the door and knocking, waiting for us to open and welcome Him.

This nearness of God is not just for Abraham; it’s the pattern of God’s dealings with humanity. He makes the impossible journey to us, bridging the gap we could never cross ourselves. The story also challenges us to reflect God’s hospitality—to open our lives, homes, and hearts to others, not just those closest to us, but even to strangers. The New Testament echoes this call, reminding us that in welcoming others, we may be entertaining angels without knowing it. In a world where true hospitality is rare, we are called to be a community that embodies God’s welcoming love.

Yet, God’s nearness is not just about comfort; it’s about transformation. The promise to Abraham and Sarah is a promise of the impossible—life where there was none, hope where there was only barrenness. But this promise is not given because of their righteousness or their faith; in fact, Sarah laughs in disbelief. God’s kindness is seen in how He brings her into the story, challenges her unbelief, and works the miracle anyway. This is a reminder that God’s promises are not formulas to be claimed, but gifts of grace, and that faith itself is a miracle God works in us.

We are called to hold in tension the reality that God can do the impossible and that not every longing or prayer is answered in the way we hope. Our greatest good is not always what we desire, but what draws us closer to Him. God’s ultimate act of drawing near is seen in Jesus—God becoming human, making a way for our salvation, and breaking the hardest hearts. Our response is to be a people who welcome, who pray for God to break unbelief in others, and who trust Him to do the impossible in and through us.

---

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Relentless Nearness and Invitation God is not content to remain distant; He draws near and waits for us to invite Him in. This is seen in the way He appears to Abraham, not forcing His presence but allowing Abraham to respond. The same God who walked with Abraham stands at the door of our lives, inviting us into intimate fellowship, but never coercing us. Our relationship with God is always initiated by His grace, but it is deepened as we open our hearts to Him. [42:17]
2. Hospitality as a Reflection of God’s Character Abraham’s extravagant welcome to the three visitors is a model of the kind of radical hospitality God calls us to. True hospitality is not transactional or reserved for those we already love, but is a generous opening of our lives to others, even strangers. In a world where such welcome is rare, the church is called to be a community that embodies God’s inclusive love, echoing the ancient call to “entertain angels unawares.” Our hospitality is a living testimony to the God who welcomes us. [45:45]
3. The Tension of God’s Promises and Our Desires The promise of a child to Abraham and Sarah is not a universal guarantee for all, nor is it a reward for righteousness or faith. God’s miracles are acts of grace, not formulas to be claimed or earned. We must be careful not to over-apply biblical promises to our own situations in ways that can lead to disappointment or harm. Instead, we hold in tension the truth that God can do the impossible, while trusting that His ultimate good for us may look different than our immediate desires. [54:40]
4. God’s Power to Break Unbelief Sarah’s laughter and doubt are met not with condemnation, but with gentle confrontation and inclusion. God is in the business of breaking hard hearts and overcoming unbelief, often in ways that surprise us. The transformation of a heart—whether in Sarah, a hardened sailor, or a modern skeptic—is always a miracle of grace. We are called to pray expectantly for God to do this work in those we love, recognizing that no one is beyond His reach. [68:13]
5. Salvation as the Ultimate Impossible Miracle The story of Abraham and Sarah points forward to the greater miracle of salvation accomplished in Jesus. God does the impossible: He becomes human, lives among us, dies, and rises again to make a way for us to be reconciled to Him. This is the heart of the gospel—a God who comes near, overcomes every barrier, and invites us into eternal fellowship. Our hope is anchored not in our own faithfulness, but in the God who does the impossible for us and in us. [61:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - The Story of the Relentless Father
[03:30] - God’s Relentless Love in the Old Testament
[06:10] - Abraham’s Unexpected Visitors
[10:20] - Radical Hospitality: Abraham’s Response
[14:30] - The Unique Theophany: God at Abraham’s Table
[18:40] - God Waits for Our Invitation
[22:00] - The Call to Hospitality in the New Testament
[26:00] - Redeeming Community in a Changing World
[31:57] - God’s Plan and the Promise to Abraham
[41:22] - The Miracle of the Impossible Promise
[53:38] - The Pain and Complexity of Unfulfilled Longings
[58:25] - Holding Tension: God’s Power and Our Desires
[61:20] - Salvation: The Ultimate Impossible Miracle
[66:43] - God’s Kindness in Breaking Unbelief
[70:03] - The Power of Welcoming Love: Rosaria Butterfield’s Story
[72:00] - Prayer and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Genesis 18, how does Abraham respond when he sees the three visitors approaching his tent? What details show the extent of his hospitality?
According to the sermon, what is unique about the way God appears to Abraham in this story compared to other Old Testament encounters? [41:22]
In Revelation 3:20, what does Jesus say He is doing, and what is the promise for those who respond?
How does Hebrews 13:2 connect to the story of Abraham and the three visitors?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon describes God as waiting for Abraham’s invitation before entering his tent. What does this suggest about God’s approach to relationship with people? [42:17]
Why do you think Abraham’s hospitality is highlighted as a model for us, even though it was directed at strangers? [45:45]
The promise of a child to Abraham and Sarah is described as a miracle of grace, not a reward for their righteousness or faith. What does this teach us about the nature of God’s promises? [54:40]
How does God respond to Sarah’s laughter and unbelief, and what does this reveal about His character? [01:02:08]

Application Questions

The sermon says God “draws near and waits for us to invite Him in.” Are there areas of your life where you sense God is waiting for your invitation? What would it look like to open that door to Him this week? [42:17]
Abraham’s hospitality went far beyond what was expected, even for strangers. When was the last time you welcomed someone outside your usual circle? What is one practical way you could show this kind of hospitality in the next month? [45:45]
The preacher warned about “over-realizing” biblical promises and applying them in ways that can hurt ourselves or others. Have you ever experienced disappointment from expecting God to answer a prayer in a certain way? How did you process that tension between hope and reality? [54:40]
The story of Sarah shows that God’s kindness includes gently confronting our unbelief. Is there an area where you struggle to trust God’s promises? How might you bring that honestly to Him in prayer? [01:02:08]
The sermon shared stories of God breaking through hard hearts, even when it seemed impossible. Is there someone in your life you’ve given up hope for spiritually? How can you begin praying for them again, trusting God’s power to break unbelief? [01:08:13]
The example of Rosaria Butterfield showed the power of welcoming love to open doors for the gospel. Who is someone you could invite into your home or life—not to “fix” them, but simply to show Christ’s love? [01:10:03]
The preacher said our greatest good is not always what we desire, but what draws us closer to God. Is there a longing or prayer in your life that hasn’t been answered as you hoped? How might God be using that to draw you nearer to Him? [59:59]

Sermon Clips

God does do the impossible. And most specifically in this story, He does the impossible for us, for our salvation. That is the key point of what's happening here. That He has a plan of salvation through Abraham and Sarah that requires the impossible to happen. That at their old age, they might have a child. [01:00:48] (24 seconds) Edit Clip

This is the same God we see in the New Testament. The God who we're told says that in Revelation, we're told Jesus, that picture of Jesus standing at the door knocking in Revelation chapter 3. Revelation 3 says, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me. That's the picture we get here. That's the picture of the end of the Bible here in the beginning of the Bible. And it's a picture of who God is, a God who makes a way so that we can be in relationship with him. He shows up, but he waits for us to welcome him in. [00:42:31] (56 seconds) Edit Clip

It's easy for us to say, you know, I became a Christian because I grew up in a Christian home, if that's your story. That's certainly my story. It's easy to kind of fall back on that. And yet there's many who grew up in Christian homes and didn't choose to follow Jesus. It is still a miracle in every heart that comes to be a follower of Jesus, no matter what opportunities you grew up with. [01:08:54] (21 seconds) Edit Clip

Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. That's the language of the New Testament echoing this one and only story we have in the Old Testament of this happening and drawing those two together saying this is the kind of welcoming we should do. This is the kind of welcoming we should be. [00:46:18] (25 seconds) Edit Clip

The Lord comes to us and he overcomes for us. He overcomes the impossible for us first of all, particularly thinking about salvation. That's a big part of what this story is about. This is the reaffirming of the promise that has already been given to Abraham. This is a huge theme through the last four chapters of the Bible. [00:51:05] (29 seconds) Edit Clip

This is the picture of a God who comes to us, a God who draws near and calls us to draw near to others. It's the God who does the impossible to draw near to us and does the impossible so that we can draw near to him, to offer a way of salvation. He does the impossible for us in making a way to salvation and to us in breaking our unbelief and bringing us to him. [01:12:02] (34 seconds) Edit Clip

A welcoming God doesn't call us to himself alone, he calls us to his church, to be part of his community, to be the people of God and so there's a call there for us to redeem community, that this is part of the blessing of the gospel, that we should be a people of community and we should take that seriously as we think about what that looks like. [00:49:20] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What demonstrates God's relentless love in the Old Testament?

How does hospitality reflect divine invitation and relationship?

In what ways does God do the impossible for salvation?