As we flip our way through the pages of our Bibles — or tap our way , if we are using a digital form of Scripture — we encounter some wellknown , as well as a few obscure , characters who serve as models for opening their hearts and homes . They shared the resources God had gifted them with , sprinkling thoughtfulness as they did .
Sarah , along with her husband , Abraham , encourages us to be willing to offer hospitality , even with short notice . In Genesis chapter 18 , we read the account of Abraham , who was just minding his own business , hanging out near the entry to his tent . Suddenly three strangers appeared . He hopped up to greet them , lowering himself to the ground in a bow , as was the tradition in his culture at that time .
But Abe didn ’ t stop with his stoop of welcome . He admonished them to stay , sharing the shade of his trees to help them cool off in the warm climate . He provided them with water to wash the dirt off their feet and even threw together a meal for them . The missus baked some bread while he roasted some meat on the grill and grabbed some milk to drink and cheese curds for the side dish of the day .
By blessing these strangers , Sarah and Abraham also got a blessing in return . It was through these three that God would build his plan for their family , letting them know a baby boy would soon be on his way . The dropof-a-hat hospitality of this ancient couple encourages me at those times when I tend to stress about unexpected company appearing on my doorstep .
The strong and beautiful Abigail was also an exceptional case of someone showing hospitality , even in the midst of some not-solovely circumstances . In the book of 1 Samuel , chapter 25 , we are given a look-see into her life . Although she was an astonishing woman , her husband , Nabal , was quite the jerk . He was rude , a liar , and had ghastly manners .
It was sheep-shearing time in the land , and Abigail ’ s husband ’ s flocks were out in the countryside grazing . The shepherd boy David , who would one day be king , was out with his boy band — I mean band of boys — in the wilderness of Paran . These dudes were a band on the run , fleeing from King Saul .
Out in the countryside , David and his crew had encountered Nabal ’ s flocks and did not harm or steal them , as many wandering bands of blokes usually did . In fact , they ’ d been providing protection for Nabal ’ s flocks . You ’ d think grumpy old Nabal would be grateful , but instead he called the group a band of outlaws , which royally ticked off the future king . David was soon on his way with four hundred men armed with swords to teach cranky Nabal a thing or two .
Abigail quickly sprang into action . She assembled a huge meal that included sheep , wine , bread , and even raisin and fig cakes for a sweet ending to the feast . Employing some donkeys as a DoorDash service , she sent the cuisine to David . She even apologized for her husband ’ s atrocious behavior . David accepted her gifts and let her husband live . In true Old Testament reality-show manner , later Nabal was killed by God , and David ended up marrying the clever and resourceful Abigail .
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