Responding to a Miracle

Read Genesis 21.

Finally, the promise God made one year before became a reality.  Isaac was born.  Abraham was 100.  Sarah was 90.  It was a miracle and time for a great celebration.

This chapter contains three responses to this celebration.

1. Abraham responded with delightful obedience.  God told him to name his son Isaac.  He did so.  God told him to circumcise his son on the eighth day.  That is exactly what he did.  It was an absolute joy for him to have this son of God's promise.  How many times has someone prayed, "Oh, God, if you will get me out of this mess I will __________" (you fill in the blank).  And how many times those promises are forgotten and never fulfilled.  In this case, God made a promise and gave clear instructions.  In celebration, Abraham obeyed.

2. Sarah responded with rejoicing.  I challenge anyone to read verses 6-7 and not, at least, smile.  One can almost hear her giggle.  The name Isaac means laughter.  Sarah previously laughed in unbelief, but now she celebrated and laughed with joy.  She is one of the women listed in faith's Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11.  She rejoiced, not because of what she and Abraham had done, but, rather, because of what God had done.

3. Abraham responded with disciplined obedience.  In a public celebration, there almost always seems to be someone in the wings who wants to rain on the parade.  Hagar openly mocked the birth of Isaac.  This was the final straw in a nagging problem that Sarah had endured for fourteen years.  Sarah's words were firm, "Cast out this slave woman."  The joyful celebration for Abraham stopped.  It pained him to face this unresolved issue in his home.  But God reassured this husband by saying, "Do as she tells you."  (This would be a great proof-text verse for all wives to keep handy.)  There was unfinished business that he had rationalized and gotten used to.  Ishmael was also his son.  God had plans to care for Hagar and Ishmael but they were not to be a part of this home any longer.

When one begins their own personal relationship with Christ, there are some immediate changes that take place.  But there are also some left-overs.  Things that do not immediately change; items and issues that require our attention, discipline, and sacrifice if we are to grow in holy living.  They may be painful to face, but face them we must in order to continue the celebration of our faith.