Vayeira(Genesis 18-22)

Getting Things Done

OVERVIEW

It was a hot, hot day -- the hottest day anyone could remember. But the heat didn't seem to bother Abraham. He was sitting outside, by the door of his tent and looking for something.

People were wondering, "Why isn't Abraham in bed resting? He just had an operation three days ago. Besides, he's 100 years old, and the heat!"

But Abraham couldn't rest. His favorite thing in the world was to find guests -- weary travelers in the desert -- and invite them into his home. But on a boiling hot day like this, no one was passing by.

Suddenly, in the distance, Abraham saw three dusty men coming down the road. He jumped up and ran toward them. He thought, "Maybe, just maybe, they will come in and rest a while in my tent."

Sure enough, they agreed and when they got to the tent, Abraham said, "Sit down and rest and I'll bring you a little snack."

He quickly ran to Sarah and said, "Good news! We have guests! Let's make them a banquet fit for a king!"

So right away they prepared fresh bread, huge portions of the most delicious meats and other delicacies, and spread it out in front of the three guests.

The guests could not believe their eyes. They thought, "This Abraham is a man who says little and does much. He told us he was only going to bring us a snack, and instead he brought us a feast!"

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STORY

Carol really needed help. Her parents were coming home the next day and the house was a mess!

During lunch break at school, she spoke to her two best friends, Jill and Marci. "I'm really sorry to bother you guys," said Carol, "but do you think that you might be able to come by this afternoon and help me straighten up the house? That party the other night just made a wreck out of the place. And my parents are on the way!"

"Sure Carol," smiled Jill. "You can count on me! I'll come over right after school and take care of everything." They turned to Marci who quietly said, "I can't promise, but I'll try to do what I can."

Not long after Carol returned home, her doorbell rang. "Oh that must be Jill," thought Carol. "Early, just like she promised." But when she opened the door there stood Marci, with a mop and bucket in hand.

"Hi Carol! Well let's get to work! It looks like there's a lot to do!"

They started cleaning and Marci didn't stop for a minute, even to rest. It was almost dark out when they finished.

"Wow, Marci. I could never have done this without your help," said Carol. Just then the girls heard a weak knock on the door. It was Jill.

"Er, hi guys...I'm here to help, but I've got to go in a few minutes, OK?"

"Thanks, Jill," said Carol, "but I don't need your help now. Thanks to Marci, all the work is done and there is nothing left to do."

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QUESTIONS

Ages 3-5

Q. At first, who said she would help Carol more, Jill or Marci?

Q. Who really helped her more in the end?

Ages 6-9

Q. Who was a better friend to Carol, Jill or Marci? Why?
A. Marci, because she didn't just promise, she came through.

Q. Is it better to promise a lot and do a little, or to promise a little and do a lot? Why?

Ages 10-13

Q. What are more important: words or actions? Why?

Q. Why would someone want to promise more than they really intend to do?

Q. Can you think of a time someone really came through for you, more than they said they would? How did you feel about that person?

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