The Stranger at the Door

It is the hottest part of the day, and Abraham is sitting in the doorway of his tent. Three men appear. He does not wait to see who they are. He runs.

The story is famous because of what happens next — the promise of a son, Sarah laughing behind the tent flap. But I want to stay with the running. An old man, in the heat, hurrying to wash the feet of people he has never met.

Hospitality before explanation

Abraham does not ask for references. He offers water, shade and bread first, and the conversation comes later. The letter to the Hebrews remembers this: some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Our red doors are open most days of the week. Some who walk through them are looking for God, some for a restroom, some for a sandwich. We are asked to run to all of them the same way.