Abraham (3:44)

New Way of Living Today I will.

Divine Messenger (3:47)

Make you a promise. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you. Follow me and I will make your name great and you will be a blessing to the entire world.

Narrator/Storyteller (4:10)

The sun bore down with a merciless intensity, casting waves of shimmering heat across the arid landscape. It was too hot to do anything, and even the hardiest of men found the temperature unbearable. Abraham, feeling the oppressive heat himself, had dismissed many of his servants and men to seek refuge in their tents, sparing as many as he could from the relentless son. They had toiled feverishly that morning, their efforts a testament to their devotion and endurance. But now the satisfied weariness that followed a day of hard labor settled upon Abraham. Reclining at the entrance of his tent, he sought respite. In the scant shade through the haze, Abraham saw them. Three figures, distant but distinct, moving along the outskirts of his encampment. A familiar stillness enveloped him, a divine hush that silenced even the relentless heat. His heart pounded in his ears, a rhythmic drumbeat that heralded something momentous. Despite the sweltering air and the fatigue that clung to his bones, Abraham leaped to his feet, electrified by a sense of impending significance. These were no ordinary travelers.

Abraham (5:35)

Sarah? Sarah, my love, are you there?

Narrator (5:40)

Yes, Abram. Abraham, I'm here.

Abraham (5:45)

Do you see those men on the road? The ones about to pass by our tents?

Narrator (5:50)

I do. Why?

Abraham (5:53)

I'm going to invite them to dine with us. They will be our guests if they accept my invitation. I can't explain why, but I know this is what we are supposed to do. Will you have water drawn so I can offer to wash the dirt from the road from their feet?

Narrator (6:10)

I will see to it, Abraham.

Narrator/Storyteller (6:12)

Without bothering to look dignified as would befit his station, Abraham ran out to meet them on the road. When at last he was before them, he bowed low to the ground. When he straightened, he took their measure. They appeared as men, cloaked and dust covered from their journey. Yet there was an unmistakable aura of the otherworldly about them.

Abraham (6:38)

My lords, please. If it pleases you, I would invite you to rest here before you continue on your journey. If you would accept, I would offer you the hospitality of rest, shade, food, and company.

Narrator/Storyteller (6:55)

You honor us.

Abraham (6:56)

You address us as if we were royalty.

Narrator/Storyteller (6:59)

In your eyes, Abraham did not know why he addressed them as he did. But fortunately, before he could respond, one of the travelers, the one who appeared to be their leader, responded on their behalf.

Divine Messenger (7:13)

We accept. Tell us, what is your name?

Abraham (7:18)

My name is Abraham.

Divine Messenger (7:20)

Abraham. Very good. Please lead the way to your dwelling.

Narrator/Storyteller (7:26)

Abraham led the three travelers through the walkways between the tents.

Abraham (7:31)

Tell us, Abraham. Your caravan seems quiet. Where are the servants?

Narrator/Storyteller (7:37)

I also don't see many men out and about.

Abraham (7:40)

I released many of them to rest due to the heat. There are still men on watch and men in the fields, as I'm sure you saw. But as many as I could spare from this sweltering day. I gave them the afternoon. It is also that all of my men in my household, including myself and my servants, have also recently had a procedure. You see, we are men under the covering of a covenant with God Almighty. We have circumcised every male in my household and under my protection. This is our covenant, Mark. Even my adopted son partook in the ceremony. And every male born from now on will be circumcised as well on the eighth day. But I digress. There's always work to be done. But it is also wise to rest the body when you can.

Divine Messenger (8:36)

That is very honorable. And every man has made this declaration and accepted it.

Abraham (8:44)

They have. They have seen the power and might of our God firsthand. Every man and woman in my household follows my lead as we seek to honor our God.

Narrator/Storyteller (8:55)

The three men said no more until they reached Abraham's tent. But it was a pleasant and comfortable silence between them as they walked. Abraham thought the leader seemed particularly pleased, though he could not think why. Abraham had learned time and time again, unfortunately, that not everyone accepted or even understood their ways. Even Abraham's neighbors and friends, the three Amrit brothers, had come to an impasse in understanding one another's ways. The distance between them had been gradual, but over the years, he saw less and less of them. When Abraham and the three men arrived at the tent, Sarah was there to greet them.

Abraham (9:41)

I present my wife, Sarah.

Narrator (9:44)

My lords, be welcomed to our home. Please remove your sandals so that we may wash the dust from your feet once you have been cleansed from your day of traveling. Please be seated at our table. I will have wine brought to refresh you from this heat.

Divine Messenger (9:59)

Thank you, Sarah, for your hospitality. You honor us greatly.

Narrator/Storyteller (10:05)

As Abraham and Sarah's servants came forward to receive their guests, Abraham pulled Sarah aside and laid out his plan.

Abraham (10:14)

Sarah, I need you to hurry while I instruct the men in the field. Knead Three measures of fine flour and make bread for our guests.

Narrator/Storyteller (10:23)

Abraham then hurried to the field and quickly surveyed the herd. Among the cattle was a young calf. It was unblemished and perfectly healthy. Abraham grabbed the rope neatly hanging from the side of the enclosure and stepped inside. He corralled the young calf away from the rest of the herd and made comforting sounds to calm it to his touch. He secured the rope around the calf's head and guided it back to the gate of the enclosure. There it is. He found one of the remaining herdsmen, still going about his duties.

Abraham (10:58)

You there, Gaetham, listen to me carefully. I want you to take this calf and prepare it for the guests I have in my tent. You are to move quickly and efficiently as you do this, but take great care in preparing it. The guests I host are to be shown the utmost honor.

Narrator/Storyteller (11:17)

The young herdsman assured him that he would do exactly as he was instructed and hurried off. Abraham then rushed back to the outdoor kitchen and told the servants there to prepare the tender calf that was to be brought to them and then cooked over a spit. He could see recognition register in their eyes as he told them of the meat to come. They rarely ate meat, as the animals provided too much value to them for wool and dairy to be butchered frequently. They knew these guests must be important to warrant such an elaborate meal. He could already smell the bread baking in the oven in the ground. The aroma filled the outdoor space and was surely wafting into the tent where his guests were waiting. Sarah had clearly instructed the servants to begin cooking vegetables for their meal, as he could see that the copper pot had been lifted above a roaring fire beside the oven with the bread. But Sarah was nowhere to be found among the busy servants.

Abraham (12:14)

Eleazar, see to it that butter and milk are brought to us when the calf is prepared. And where is Sarah?

Divine Messenger (12:21)

I will do as you ask, Master Abram. Abraham and Mistress Sarah is indisposed. She said that she suddenly felt unwell and went to lie down in your tent in your sleeping quarters.

Abraham (12:35)

She was fine a few moments ago. I wonder what happened.

Divine Messenger (12:39)

She's well. You can ask her when you see her, Master.

Abraham (12:45)

Thank you, Eleazar. Please be sure to send someone in to check on Sarah. You may see to your other tasks now.

Narrator/Storyteller (12:53)

With Sarah indisposed, Abraham assumed full hosting duties. He returned to his tent's entrance, finding his guests seated on cushions before an eating mat. Sarah had arranged their seating under the tent's shade, allowing any passing breeze to cool them.

Abraham (13:12)

I trust that you're all comfortable. I'VE seen to it that our meal is being prepared. We will eat together shortly.

Narrator/Storyteller (13:21)

As Abraham walked over toward the pitcher of wine, he recalled a similarly unexpected meal that had taken place years ago when he shared with a very mysterious high priest called Melchizedek. Though he had been a king and a priest, he he had insisted on serving his guests. Abraham smiled at the memory and gestured for the nearby servant to stand down. He grabbed four cups in addition to the wine and began serving his guests at the table. As he did so, another servant brought the bread steaming and fresh from the oven to the table. When his guests had their cups and bread before them, he blessed their meal and they ate together. Food was brought out in stages and the men were honoured by the tender cuts of calf Abraham's servants set before them. They encouraged him to share his story with them as they dined together. Abraham did so eagerly. He was delighted to share his story of faith in his God and all that he had seen and learned with anyone asking. In turn, the three guests shared very little about themselves, seeming satisfied in hearing of Abraham's many adventures. As they ate and drank, a connection began to form in Abraham's mind. He could always sense when the presence of his God was near, and sometimes it would prompt thoughts or ideas that were not his own. Abraham recalled the covenant promise made to him, and as he dined with these strangers, an image of the celebratory stage of the covenant custom was brought to mind. In a traditional covenant among his people, after the walk unto Death, a series of significant ceremonies would occur. Blessings and curses would be spoken, the covenant mark would be given, an exchange of names, and finally the covenant meal. He realized that each of these ceremonies had taken place slowly over the years and now these strangers had come to him right on the heels of his God, giving him and Sarah new names and after circumcising all the men in his household. Perhaps the mystery of this meal was not so mysterious after all.

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Narrator/Storyteller (16:48)

Sarah had been in the middle of instructing her servants when a wave of pain shot into her abdomen. It contracted forcefully, causing her to double over in pain. When the pain subsided, she looked up and saw the concern written all over the servants faces. Before she had time to say anything else, another wave of pain gripped her belly. She didn't think she could remain standing for much longer if the pain was going to continue. Sarah called over their head servant Eliezer, and left him in charge of overseeing the meal for Abraham's significant guests. As she walked back to the living quarters portion of their tent, she braced herself for another wave of pain and clenched her fists around the fabric of her skirts. What in heaven's name could this be? Sarah hadn't felt pain like this since. Since. But it couldn't be, could it? Sarah was an old woman now, nearly 90 years old. The way of the woman had not been upon her for nearly 40 years. Had it been this painful back then? It was such a distant memory. Still clutching her throbbing abdomen, Sarah stumbled through the back entryway of their tent and collapsed on her bedroll. A headache had begun to form and fatigue began to cloud her mind. Both were surely brought on by the intensity of the cramping. Fortunately, a tent wall separated her from where she had arranged for the men to sit. She was already mortified at having to leave her duties, but having anyone witness her discomfort would have been more than she could bear. A short time later, her servant came in to check on her and promptly returned with a damp cloth her forehead. Sarah laid back with the comforting weight of the cool cloth over her eyes while she listened to the muffled conversation from the dinner table on the other side of the tent wall. The steadiness of the sounds of her husband's voice and amiable conversation lulled her into an uneasy stupor as she waited for the pain to subside. She remained in that state, perhaps would have laid that way all evening when a voice cut through the ambient noise.

Divine Messenger (19:01)

Where is your wife, Sarah?

Narrator/Storyteller (19:04)

Sarah didn't know how she recognized the voice after hearing it only once earlier, but it belonged to the man who had thanked her for hospitality when they had arrived. She could hear the apology and perhaps a tinge of embarrassment in Abraham's voice.

Abraham (19:19)

When he responded, she's there, my lords. In the tent.

Narrator/Storyteller (19:26)

Sarah wondered if he would explain further or even know what to say. It was an uncomfortable topic to discuss, especially over a meal. She also knew that Abram was aware that she may be able to hear them from where she was lying.

Divine Messenger (19:41)

She is. And I will certainly come back to you in about a year's time. And your wife, Sarah, shall have a son.

Narrator/Storyteller (19:50)

Sarah sat up at these words and tore her cloth from her forehead. A son. How could this stranger possibly know what her husband had told her in confidence? Not that she believed it herself. Abram, or Abraham, as he was now to be called, she was still adjusting to that, had come to her and told her what their God had relayed about her involvement in Abraham having another son. This one would come from her, a woman who had never been fertile and whose body was had gone through menopause several decades ago. It was outrageous. It was unheard of. She had given up on that dream a long, long time ago. Just then, another wave of pain rippled through her lower stomach. She clenched her jaw and waited for it to subside. A thought began to take shape in her mind as it dropped there. Could this pain be the beginning of something? The beginning of an ability she had never possessed? No, it couldn't be. She brushed it away before it could bloom into anything more than a passing thought. When their God had promised Abraham a legacy, she didn't want to admit it, but a part of her had hoped. But as the years had flown by, she had resolved herself to the idea of surrogacy. She had successfully brought that plan to fruition when her handmaiden Hagar bore her husband a son she could not deny. She struggled with the arrangement, but for her husband's sake, she stepped aside and allowed this stranger's son to be a part of their life. When Abraham had told her that their God had clarified the promise and declared that they were to have a son together, she was dismayed. She had spent a lifetime accepting, or as close to accepting as she could even get, that she would never have children born from her own body. And now this stranger announces the very same message that had come from their God. Sarah laughed to herself.

Narrator (21:52)

How could this be? After all this time, when I am worn out and my lord is old, will I have this delight?

Divine Messenger (22:01)

Why did Sarah laugh? Is she questioning whether or not she can have a child?

Narrator/Storyteller (22:06)

Sarah froze. How could the stranger possibly know what she was thinking or heard her from this distance. He didn't even know she was listening in on this conversation.

Abraham (22:16)

How could you know that we've been told she will have a son? And how could you say that she is laughing? She's not here in the room with us.

Divine Messenger (22:26)

Let me ask you this. Is anything impossible for God Almighty? Is anything too hard or too marvelous for him to achieve? No. At the appointed time I will come back to you and in about a year she will have a son.

Narrator/Storyteller (22:46)

Sarah was still sitting up, fixed to her bedroll. She became frightened of the power of this stranger in the other room, at the impossibility of the stranger being able to hear her innermost thoughts. And because she was scared and did not want to upset or offend whatever authority this man seemed to possess, she quietly whispered to herself, I did not laugh.

Divine Messenger (23:11)

I'll tell you another thing. Since you asked, she did laugh.

Narrator/Storyteller (23:16)

Sarah gaped at the stranger's words. She was amazed, and she marveled at the possibility of his words becoming her reality. This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catina, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosely and Chris Baig. You can hear more Pray.com productions on the Pray.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the chosen people, please rate and leave a review.

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Narrator (25:15)

This is an iHeart podcast.