Read Gen. 17:15-27
Sarai got a new name also: from Sarai to Sarah. They both mean “princess”. God blessed her and promised her a son who would produce nations and kings. I love Abraham’s response: he falls on the ground laughing thinking about how God is going to do this since he would be 100 and Sarah 90 when the baby came. Abraham was truly a man with a father’s heart because he immediately thought of Ismael and cried out for a blessing for him. God explained that Sarah would have a son and his name was to be Isaac. (Isaac means “he will laugh” - Abraham sure did!) In Isaac, God would establish this covenant, but he had not forgotten Ishmael. Ishmael will also be fruitful and become a great nation of 12 princes. Then God reiterates that his covenant is with Isaac, who shall come from Sarah.
After this encounter, Abraham took Ishmael and all the people in his household and circumcised them…what a day! He, at 99 was circumcised. Ishmael was 13. Abraham’s age meant a double harvest where Ishmael’s age meant rebellion. It makes me wonder if this wasn’t the beginning of Ishmael’s rebellion.
The story of Abraham and Sarah is such a reminder that God’s word never fails, even when it looks like time has run out.
Lord, thank you for stories like this that remind us that our times are in your hands.
No comments:
Post a Comment