Hospitality at the Oaks: Genesis 18:1–10a and the Recovery of Presence
A Reflection for the Alcoholic in Search of Grace
Scripture Context
Genesis 18:1–10a recounts Abraham’s encounter with three mysterious visitors under the oaks of Mamre. Though the text begins with Abraham seeing “the Lord,” it unfolds as a story of radical hospitality, divine promise, and the quiet power of presence.
1. The Recovery of Presence
“The Lord appeared to Abraham... while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent.”
Abraham wasn’t striving—he was sitting. In recovery, we often rediscover God not in our hustle, but in our stillness. Like Abraham, we learn to wait, to watch, and to welcome. Step 11 teaches us to seek conscious contact with God. Sometimes, that contact begins with simply being present—at a meeting, in prayer, or on a quiet walk.
Recovery Insight:
Sobriety teaches us to stop running. To sit at the entrance of our own tent—our life—and become available to grace.
2. Radical Hospitality as Step Work
“Let me bring a little water... let me get you something to eat.”
Abraham’s instinct is service. He doesn’t ask who the visitors are—he acts. This mirrors the AA tradition of service: making coffee, setting up chairs, welcoming the newcomer. It’s not about status—it’s about surrender. Step 12 calls us to carry the message. Abraham shows us how: with humility, generosity, and urgency.
Recovery Insight:
Hospitality is a spiritual discipline. In AA, we serve not because we’re strong, but because we remember what it’s like to be starving.
3. God Appears in the Ordinary
“He looked up and saw three men standing nearby.”
The divine doesn’t arrive with thunder. It comes in the form of strangers. Abraham didn’t recognize the Lord in a blaze of glory—but in three dusty travelers. In recovery, God often shows up through others—especially those we least expect. A fellow alcoholic. A sponsor. A stranger who shares something that cracks us open.
Recovery Insight:
You can find serenity, grace, and wisdom in the seemingly mundane interactions of people. A quiet nod at a meeting. A shared coffee. A text that arrives at just the right time. These are not coincidences—they are the oaks of Mamre in our own lives. Miracles often wear ordinary clothes.
4. The Promise of New Life
“I will surely return to you... and Sarah your wife will have a son.”
This is a story of impossible promise. Sarah is old. The womb is closed. But God speaks life into barrenness. For the alcoholic, this is the heart of Step 2: “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” Even when hope feels absurd, God is still speaking life.
Recovery Insight:
No one is too far gone. Not Sarah. Not Abraham. Not us. The promise still stands.
5. The Quiet Laughter of Grace
Though not in the lectionary cut (v.10a ends before it), Sarah laughs. Not out loud—but within. It’s the laugh of disbelief, of “yeah right.” But God hears it. And responds not with rebuke, but with reassurance.
Recovery Insight:
We’ve all laughed at the idea of change. Of healing. Of sobriety. But God hears even our cynical laughter—and answers with mercy.
Closing Reflection
Genesis 18:1–10a is a recovery story. It’s about showing up, serving others, and receiving grace in unexpected places. It reminds us that God still visits tents. That promises still come to barren places. And that sobriety, like Sarah’s child, is a miracle born of presence, patience, and divine timing.
About Jason Bresnehan
Jason is the founder of Evahan, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build both financial and legacy wealth. With over 30 years of leadership across sectors and continents, he brings commercial acumen, strategic insight, and lived experience to every engagement. His work spans business transformation, venture management, and M&A, always grounded in a belief that ideas—shared with clarity, balance, and respect—can improve individuals, families, communities, and society.
A strong advocate for freedom, limited government, and enterprise-driven progress, Jason also draws deeply from his personal recovery journey—an experience that reshaped his life and fuels his commitment to growth, contribution, and principled living. Through writing, speaking, and service, he continues to learn, share, and speak with purpose.
I can be engaged (on a remunerated or volunteer basis) to sit on Boards, Committees, Advisory and Reference Group Panels, and to speak to Business, Community, and Youth groups. I’m also open to providing comment to media on topics where I have relevant experience or insight. Please feel free to make contact.