Reading: Genesis 21

Vs 1 says “the LORD visited Sarah”. We believe the birth of children is natural, so we seldom stop to consider that the LORD is the giver of life. The words ‘the LORD visited Sarah” remind us that He intervened in Sarah’s life and caused Isaac’s birth.

But the LORD’s power and gift here is even more amazing; Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90!

 

Two times verse 1 says that the LORD had earlier promised to visit Sarah: “as He had said … as He had spoken”. The LORD (Yahweh) reminds us here that He is faithful to His promises. The deliverance of this promise is also wonderful in another way: Isaac’s birth was a vital step by which God builds His church from all nations. Furthermore Isaac’s birth also opens the way for a greater Son of promise, Jesus Christ. Through His blood the church is saved and given eternal salvation. How great is God’s care and faithfulness!

 

God’s care for the church continues. Ishmael scoffs and insults his brother Isaac, God, and Abraham’s faith. Therefore Sarah is angry. Galatians 4:29 says that Ishmael “persecuted” Isaac. If this situation continues, the family, which is the church at that time, will be severely damaged by hatred and fighting. God ensures that Ismael and his mother leave, and so the church is saved from persecution.

 

Key Text: Genesis 21:5-6 “Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.”

 

Question: Why does God wait so long to fulfil the promise of Isaac’s birth? (Refer to Hebrews 11:11-12.) What comfort you receive from this regarding your own life?