Why did Sarah laugh?
March 2, 2019 (Bible Devotional)
And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? — Genesis 18:13
Sarah
Sarah has passed the flour of age. She did not always want to admit it, but she thought within herself that she would forever go childless. When God promised that Abraham should have a child, Sarah initially thought that she would be the mother. Even though she was advanced in age. She used to be much younger, than the old lady that she has become.
After much waiting, she became discouraged. The divine promise was not realized as she would have hope. And she short-circuited the process. And persuaded Abraham to have a child with Hagar. That was not the divine plan. Neither Eleazer, not Ishmael, was the promised child. God has purposed to bring the child through Abraham and Sarah, and though they faith failed in past time the promise stood still.
Laugh
Yet the seriousness of the promise compel Sarah to chuckle. She laughs not because she believes that God is unable to fulfill his promise, but because of her condition. The reality is she old and Abraham also is very old. Why did God have to wait so long before realizing the promised blessing? The age for Sarah fruitfulness was past and now she considered herself as good as dead.
How shall she receive strength to conceive a child? She believes in God’s promise, but her surrounding circumstances made her laugh. And she reasoned how shall this be. Yes the angel of Lord confidently asserts that the very same time next year that she would have a child. This does not make sense to Sarah. It’s been a while since she slept with Abraham. Now that she is old. She is wondering whether she will be even aroused to pleasure and be intimate with Abraham.
Of a surety
To the promise is as factual as an oak tree in the acorn. He was certain that the promise will be realized. And next year, Sarah will bear seed. She will become a mother. Sarah may not know old the details will work out, but she must lay hold that promise by faith. That promise was to remind her of the power of the Almighty and give her strength and hope during the pregnancy months to follow.
Bear a child
Later as Sarah become pregnant, she is now to believe that God can deliver her of a child. The strength needed to bring that baby into the world will be provided by her Lord. She is to bear that child by faith. She is to conceive that child by faith. It is only as she ponders upon the promise of God and believes the faithfulness of God will she have the strength to bring a begotten into the world.
The child she will bring forth is a child of promise. Though Sarah was good-as-dead, in her womb is a great nation. She is to become by faith the mother of a multitude, and an innumerable company.
Old
Yes, Sarah was old, but the Ancient of days has promised to make her fruitful. She need not worry. For even in old age, those that trust in the Lord shall bear fruit. Let none be tempted that are too old. Even the youth shall faint, but they who trust in God will be endowed with renewed strength. They will run and not grow weary. God will be their strength and anchor.
Let none lay aside his armor in the Christian battle supposing that he is too old. God can use to old as he would use the young. If they make God they trust they will be empowered to walk from victory to victory. All can draw strength for their daily toil as they draw to Christ. For when we are weak, it becomes more evident that God is strong.
