WHEN SARAH LAUGHED
Read it
Genesis 18:11-14
10 Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. 11 Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” 13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Genesis 18:10-14)
Discover It
In the Bible, the book of Hebrews teaches us, “Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” And on a sweltering day around 4000 years ago, this verse was proven true. For on that day, Abraham was sitting at the entrance of his tent just minding his own business when he saw three men standing nearby. Abraham greeted them and showed them hospitality. In the midst of their visit one of the men told Abraham that he would return in a year and Sarah would bear a son. Sarah laughed to herself at this, since both she and Abraham were very old. And then God spoke. “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” And a year later they had a son Isaac, whose name means, “One who laughs or rejoices.”
Ask It
1. Who do you think the three visitors were that Abraham entertained that day? How do you think they predicted the miraculous birth of Isaac, even though Abraham and Sarah were so old?
2. Name all the reasons that Sarah may have laughed upon hearing the prediction that she would give birth to a son? Which reason do you think is the most valid?
3. Discuss and answer God’s question, “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” How should this knowledge help you in your daily life today?
Live It
1. Look for God in the Ordinary. It was just an ordinary day for Abraham when the men (or angels) showed up. But he ended up talking to God and experiencing a miracle!
2. Delight in the Lord’s Unpredictability and Power. Be ready to hear him and follow him when he shows up in unexpected ways and with unexpected plans.
3. Be Faithful to God in the Little Things! Abraham’s simple hospitality to others resulted in him speaking with the Lord and experiencing the miraculous birth of a son. God sometimes does big things through simple acts of kindness. Remember, “Little is much when God is in it.”
Pray It
Dear Lord, help me to notice you in the ordinary occurrences of life, knowing that every kind word, every hospitable deed, and every thankful thought is an opportunity to hear from you and to experience miracles. Even a cup of water given in your name has an eternal impact. And as I follow you in obedience by placing your word at the center of my life each day, help me to rejoice and even to laugh at the everyday miracles you bestow. The birth of a baby, the wonder of nature, and the blessing of prayer are marvelous and delightful. Thank you, Jesus…Amen.