Proper 6 (11) Families aren't Perfect

God Chooses an Imperfect Family

Growing up in a tight-knit family, I always marveled at the intricate web of relationships that unfolded within our household. Each family member brought their own unique personality, dreams, and challenges, creating a tapestry of emotions, conflicts, and love. It was in the midst of these complexities that I witnessed the importance of family and the longing for God's blessings upon us. One particular incident stands out vividly in my mind, showcasing both the challenges and the blessings that come with family life. It was a hot summer afternoon, and tensions were running high. We were in the midst of planning a family vacation, which proved to be an arduous task. Everyone had different preferences, limited availability, and financial constraints. Arguments flared up, and it seemed like we were on the verge of abandoning the idea altogether. Amidst the chaos, the pillar of our family, sat quietly in her favorite armchair, observing the scene with a mix of concern and wisdom in her eyes. Recognizing the strain that was tearing us apart, she suggested a family gathering in the evening. She believed that reconnecting with our shared values and seeking God's guidance would help us find a way forward. As dusk settled in, we gathered in the cozy living room, our spirits softened by the presence of one another. We held hands, forming a circle, and we were led in prayer. Our voices, filled with both strength and vulnerability, reached deep into our hearts as we expressed our shared desire for unity, understanding, and God's blessings upon our family. In that moment, a transformation occurred within us. The walls of pride and stubbornness crumbled, replaced by a profound sense of empathy and love. We listened to one another, sharing our dreams, concerns, and compromises. Slowly but surely, we found common ground, piecing together a vacation plan that accommodated everyone's needs. The next morning, as we embarked on our journey, a tangible sense of peace enveloped us. We laughed, sang, and cherished every moment, knowing that it was the result of our collective effort and the blessings we had sought as a family. It was not a perfect vacation devoid of challenges, but the challenges were now seen as opportunities for growth and deeper connection. That experience taught me the significance of family in navigating life's complexities. It reminded me that amidst disagreements and hardships, it is the bond of family that holds us together. And when we humbly seek God's blessings upon our relationships, our love becomes resilient, our understanding expands, and our unity strengthens. Today, whenever my own family encounters obstacles or disagreements, I remember that evening in my grandmother's living room. I strive to cultivate open communication, empathy, and a shared desire for God's blessings. For I know that through the complexities of family life, we can find profound joy, growth, and a love that transcends all barriers.

We see the importance of family life in today’s reading from Genesis 18:1-15, where we witness God’s choice of an imperfect family for a significant purpose.

God’s Divine Appointment: A. The Visitation of Three Strangers In Genesis 18:1-8, the passage begins with Abraham sitting at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. As he looks up, he sees three men standing nearby. These men are described as strangers or travelers, and it becomes evident later in the passage that they are divine beings, angels sent by God. Abraham's response to the arrival of the strangers is characterized by his deep hospitality and eagerness to serve them. He immediately runs from the entrance of his tent to meet them, bowing down to the ground in a gesture of respect. Abraham addresses them as "my lord," acknowledging their authority and offering himself as their servant. Abraham implores the visitors not to pass by without partaking in his hospitality. He begs them to allow him to bring water for them to wash their feet, a common custom in the Middle Eastern culture of that time, where people would offer water to guests to cleanse their dusty feet after a long journey. Abraham goes above and beyond this custom, offering them a place to rest under the shade of a tree while he fetches bread to refresh them. In his eagerness to serve and honor his guests, Abraham quickly instructs Sarah, his wife, to knead three measures of fine flour and prepare cakes. He then personally chooses a tender calf from his herd and gives it to a servant to prepare a sumptuous meal for the visitors. Abraham's actions demonstrate his humility, generosity, and genuine desire to provide for his guests, whom he does not yet know are celestial messengers. B. The Promise of a Child During the meal, the visitors inquire about Sarah, asking where she is. Abraham informs them that she is in the tent nearby. One of the visitors, who is often identified as the Lord Himself, speaks and reaffirms His promise to Abraham and Sarah. He declares that when He returns in the following year, Sarah will have a son. Sarah, who is listening from the entrance of the tent, overhears this statement and laughs within herself. She is skeptical because she and Abraham are advanced in age, and the prospect of having a child at this point seems impossible. However, the Lord, who knows her thoughts, questions why Sarah laughed and asserts that nothing is too hard for Him. This encounter highlights the divine timing of God's promise. It had been decades since God first promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, but the fulfillment of this promise had not yet materialized. However, God renews His covenant and specifies a specific timeframe within which the promise will be realized. True to His word, Sarah conceives and gives birth to a son named Isaac the following year, as foretold by the Lord. This miraculous event underscores God's faithfulness, power, and ability to fulfill His promises, even when the circumstances seem unlikely or humanly impossible. The divine appointment in Genesis 18:1-8 involves the visitation of three strangers who are revealed to be celestial beings. Abraham's hospitable response showcases his eagerness to serve and honor his guests. Within this encounter, God reaffirms His promise of a child to Sarah, and despite her initial doubt, the promise is fulfilled at the appointed time, demonstrating God's faithfulness and sovereignty.

God's purpose in choosing this imperfect family becomes evident as we continue.

Imperfections and God’s Plan In Genesis 18:9-15, the passage describes an encounter between Abraham, Sarah, and three visitors who represent God. This interaction sheds light on the imperfections within human nature and God's plan to transform those imperfections. Let's examine Sarah's laughter and doubt as well as God's response and Sarah's transformation. A. Sarah's laughter and doubt: When the three visitors, who were actually divine beings representing God, visited Abraham and Sarah, they promised that Sarah would have a son in her old age. Sarah overheard this promise and reacted with laughter. Her laughter stemmed from her skepticism and doubt regarding the possibility of conceiving a child at her advanced age. She saw herself as old and past the age of childbearing, which made the idea seem absurd and impossible. Reflecting on the doubts and imperfections within our own families: Sarah's reaction highlights a common human flaw - the tendency to doubt and question the feasibility of things that seem unlikely or beyond our understanding. This doubt can be found within our own families as well. Sometimes, due to various circumstances or personal experiences, we may struggle to believe in promises or possibilities that seem far-fetched. However, this passage encourages us to recognize our imperfections and doubts, and to have faith in God's plan even when it appears improbable. B. God's response and Sarah's transformation: In response to Sarah's laughter, one of the visitors, representing God, questioned Abraham why Sarah had laughed and questioned the possibility of her conceiving a child. The visitor's response revealed the divine knowledge and understanding of human flaws. God understood Sarah's doubt and knew the depth of her skepticism. Sarah's transformation is significant in this passage. Initially, she laughed out of disbelief, but when confronted about it, she denied doing so out of fear. However, as the events unfolded and she witnessed the fulfillment of God's promise, her laughter transformed into faith. In later verses, Sarah does conceive and gives birth to a son named Isaac, fulfilling God's promise. Sarah's change from laughter to faith impacts their family's journey by demonstrating the power of God's plan and His ability to transform doubt into belief. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of our imperfections and doubts, God's promises can be trusted. Sarah's transformation serves as an encouragement to embrace faith, even when circumstances seem unlikely or impossible. The passage in Genesis 18:9-15 reveals Sarah's initial laughter and doubt upon hearing God's promise of a child, highlighting the imperfections within human nature. However, God's response emphasizes His understanding of our flaws. Sarah's transformation from laughter to faith showcases the transformative power of God's plan and how it positively impacts their family's journey.

Through the imperfections and doubts of Abraham and Sarah, God's purpose is revealed.

God's Purpose to Bless All Families

A. God's call and covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3): In Genesis 12:1-3, God called Abraham (originally named Abram) and made a covenant with him. God's purpose in choosing Abraham was to bless all families on earth. Let's explore how this unfolded. Abraham's story begins with God instructing him to leave his country, his relatives, and his father's house and go to the land that God would show him. God promised to make Abraham into a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and make him a blessing. Moreover, God declared that those who blessed Abraham would be blessed, and those who cursed him would be cursed. Finally, God stated that through Abraham, all families of the earth would be blessed. B. The fulfillment in Jesus Christ: The promise made to Abraham finds its ultimate fulfillment in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus, a direct descendant of Abraham, brought blessings to all families in several significant ways:

1. Spiritual Blessings: Through His teachings and example, Jesus revealed the true nature of God's love, mercy, and grace. He showed humanity the path to reconciliation with God and offered forgiveness of sins. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus provided salvation and the opportunity for eternal life to all who believe in Him. 2. Universal Reach: Jesus' mission was not limited to a specific group or nation but encompassed all humanity. His message of salvation was intended for people from all backgrounds, races, and nations. Jesus emphasized this universal scope in His commission to His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). 3. The New Covenant: Jesus inaugurated the new covenant, which surpassed the old covenant given to Abraham. The old covenant was based on the Law, but Jesus fulfilled the Law through His perfect life and sacrificial death. Under the new covenant, all who put their faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior can experience forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 4. Redemption and Restoration: Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering hope for all families. He initiated the process of redeeming and restoring humanity and creation to its intended state, free from the effects of sin and brokenness. This restoration will ultimately be fully realized when Jesus returns to establish His kingdom on earth.

God's purpose to bless all families on earth began with His call and covenant with Abraham. This promise found its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who brought spiritual blessings, offered salvation to all, established the new covenant, and initiated the process of redemption and restoration. Through Jesus, all families have the opportunity to experience the blessings of God's love, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Genesis 18:1-15 tells the story of God's visitation to Abraham and Sarah, highlighting the chosen yet imperfect nature of their family and how God used them to fulfill His purpose of blessing all families. This passage emphasizes the relevance of their story to our own families and how God can work through our imperfections. By embracing our roles as imperfect yet chosen vessels for God's blessings, we can find encouragement and inspiration. In Genesis 18:1-15, three visitors arrive at Abraham and Sarah's tent. Abraham immediately recognizes them as divine guests and shows them great hospitality, offering them food and rest. During their visit, they make a promise to Abraham that Sarah will have a son. Sarah, who was listening from inside the tent, laughs in disbelief at the idea of having a child at her old age. However, one of the visitors, who is God Himself, questions Sarah's laughter and reaffirms that she will indeed bear a son. The main points of this passage are:

1. God chose an imperfect family: Abraham and Sarah were not without flaws. They had their doubts and weaknesses, as seen in Sarah's laughter and disbelief. Yet, despite their imperfections, God chose them to be the bearers of His blessings and the ancestors of a great nation. 2. Fulfilling God's purpose: God's purpose was to bless all families through Abraham and Sarah. He intended to establish a covenant with them and make them the parents of a multitude of descendants. This demonstrates God's sovereignty in using imperfect vessels to accomplish His divine plan. 3. Relevance to our own families: Just like Abraham and Sarah, our families are not perfect. We all have our shortcomings, doubts, and struggles. However, this passage shows us that God can work through our imperfections and use our families to bring blessings to others. It reminds us that God's plan extends to imperfect people and families like ours. 4. Embracing our roles as chosen vessels: Despite our imperfections, we should embrace the fact that God has chosen us to be vessels of His blessings. We can find encouragement in the story of Abraham and Sarah, knowing that God can use us and our families to impact others positively.

Genesis 18:1-15 teaches us that God chose an imperfect family, Abraham and Sarah, to fulfill His purpose of blessing all families through them. This passage is relevant to our own families, reminding us that God can work through our imperfections. It encourages us to embrace our roles as imperfect yet chosen vessels for God's blessings and find inspiration in the story of Abraham and Sarah.

Gracious and loving God, As we come before You in prayer, we are reminded of the story of Abraham and Sarah, an imperfect family that You chose to fulfill Your divine purpose. Their journey of faith and their willingness to trust You inspire us today. We thank You for the relevance of their story to our own families and lives. In Genesis 18:1-15, we witness how You extended Your grace to Abraham and Sarah, despite their imperfections. You revealed to them that through their descendants, all families on earth would be blessed. Lord, help us grasp the profound truth that You can work through our imperfections as well. You choose us, not because we are flawless or faultless, but because You see potential and possibility in us. You transform our weaknesses into opportunities for Your divine blessings to flow. Today, we gather as a congregation, each one of us part of a family, imperfect in our own unique ways. We confess our shortcomings and acknowledge that we do not have all the answers. But we rejoice, knowing that You have called us, just as You called Abraham and Sarah, to be vessels of Your blessings in our families and communities. May this story ignite a flame of hope within us, reminding us that Your plans and purposes are not limited by our human limitations. Help us to trust in Your faithfulness and to lean on Your strength when our own falls short. Grant us the courage to embrace our roles as imperfect yet chosen vessels, surrendered to Your will. Lord, we pray for our families represented here today. We lift up the relationships between parents and children, husbands and wives, siblings, and extended family members. In the midst of our imperfections, may Your love bind us together. Teach us to forgive one another, to extend grace, and to seek reconciliation. Help us to create an atmosphere where Your presence is felt and Your blessings are abundant. As we go forth from this gathering, remind us daily that our lives matter, and our families matter in Your divine plan. Help us to embrace the calling You have placed upon us, knowing that through our families, You desire to touch and bless the lives of others. We thank You, Lord, for choosing us, imperfect though we may be. May we be vessels of Your grace, love, and blessing to those around us. In the name of Jesus, who redeems our imperfections and makes us whole, we pray. Amen.