And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate. They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. (Genesis 18:1-10 ESV)
In this story, Abraham seized the moment. To seize the moment, you need to have the attitude of the moment and the attitude of the moment is the EAR Attitude.
“He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit is saying...” Revelation 3:16
I- Abraham had the EAR (Expectant, Attentive, and Ready) attitude.
- He was Expectant. (He was looking forward to the move of God.)
In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, (Romans 4:18-20 ESV)
He was sitting at his door in the heat. The best place from a natural understanding would have been under the tree because it was hot. But he was at the door as if expecting some special visitors. Just like Abraham, we need to expect the move of God wherever we are. Are you expecting the move of God today?
Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:18 ESV)
His sitting at his door is also an expression of a worshipful attitude. It is about having a servant Spirit and a desire to gladden the heart of the Lord. This is our spiritual worship.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1 ESV)
- He was Attentive (He was alert and focused)
All his attention, energy, and passion were devoted to what God was about to do. As Christians, we must not allow any distraction in our moment with God. Not allowing the other voices. James 1:8
He lifted up his eyes. He knew something was about to happen. He discerned the moment. Just like with Abraham, God is still working today and you are at the center of His strategy. Jesus said that he only does what he sees the Father do. To see what God is about to do. You must be close to Him.
The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14 ESV)
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8 ESV)
- He was Ready (He was prepared to move.)
Abraham did not withhold his best. God is asking us to be ready to do the same. We need to be prepared to do what it takes to carry out the action of the moment regardless of the cost, the inconvenience, and the hindrances.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1 ESV)
Abraham was resolved and persistent. He did not just take a swing at it and give up. We must be resolved to do what the moment requires. We must be found by Him doing His will. Luke 12: 37-40
II- Four areas to seize the moment with the EAR Attitude
- Seizing the moment in witnessing
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15 ESV)
- Seizing the moment in spiritual warfare
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1 ESV)
- Seizing the moment in hospitality
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2 ESV)
- Seizing the moment for salvation
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, (Hebrews 3:7, 8 ESV)
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