Demonstrating great aspects of the faith, Abraham is quick to be hospitable and caring to the three men, who were God and presumably two angels. In his faith he was obedient and was offered love from the words of God honoring him with the promise of a son. After that, Sarah (Abraham’s wife) laughed to herself in what could only be a laugh that was hollow with pain; you can hear the sarcasm in her thoughts. Yet, despite this, God chose to continue to honor the faith of Abraham and used his love as a teaching tool for Sarah. 

Have you ever had a word spoken to you that you couldn’t quite accept or understand? Maybe it was a random promotion or raise. Maybe you found out your family was expecting a new child or sibling. Think of Abram (later Abraham) sitting as an elderly man with no children of his own, and yet he is promised heirs that outnumber the stars; I’m sure that came as a shock. He was given the promise of ongoing lineage and blessing even though he was later in years.

The first passage we read today was from the Song of Moses. This was the recorded worship that Moses lifted up to the Lord before he died. Moses recognized that God is God, and whatever He decrees is right. Even though Moses had received a harsh punishment, he didn’t shake his fist at God or cry “this isn’t fair!”; he didn’t defend himself or blame others. Moses accepted God’s word in humility.

This story feels very similar to the one we read yesterday, yet they take place 40 years apart! This seems to display the old adage, some things never change. Once again the people were thirsty, once again they blamed Moses and mistrusted God, once again God gave Moses instructions for getting water for the people. Unfortunately, one thing does change. God told Moses to speak to the rock, but instead Moses struck it with his staff, failing to follow what God had told him.

Anyone who aspires to be a leader should read Moses’ whole story; leading people can be so difficult. In Moses’ life when things were great, the Israelites loved him. Well, most loved him, sometimes others were jealous and made life even harder for the shepherd leader. When things were difficult, however, the people were inconsolable. They were quick to blame, and had very short memories of the good that God and Moses had done for them.