Daily Devotions
Genesis
"Our soul waits for the Lord, He is our help and our shield." Psalm 33:20
Text: Genesis 18:1-33
A LONG WAIT – THE HUMAN STANDPOINT
Sarah and Abraham had waited for more than a quarter of a century for God to fulfil His promise. The Scriptures were written very candidly concerning the state of faith of Sarah especially on hearing the word concerning child-bearing.
“Now Sarah and Abraham were old, well advanced in age;
and Sarah had passed the age of child-bearing. Therefore
Sarah laughed within herself, saying, ‘After I have grown old,
shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?'”GENESIS 18:11-12
Humanly speaking, Sarah and Abraham were way past their prime! The joy of bearing a child was an impossible dream! But should life only be seen from the human standpoint?
A LONG WAIT – THE DIVINE STANDPOINT
God’s perspective should not be discounted! His view is not unimportant. There were reasons why He caused Sarah and Abraham to wait as long as they had.
“And the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh,
saying, “Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?” Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time
I will return to you, according to the time of life,
and Sarah shall have a son.'”GENESIS 18:13-14
1. An essential spiritual lesson
If nothing else, Sarah and Abraham would learn this lesson well – that nothing was too hard for He who is called “Lord”.
2. “According to the time of life”
Sarah would still have to wait “according to the time of life”. Conception would have to take place. Then there is the full gestation period before childbirth!
3. “Sarah shall have a son”
There was such a ring of authority in those words! Human understanding versus Divine will. Faith hung in the balance! Sarah tried to deny that she had laughed in disbelief (Genesis 18:15) but she could not deceive the Lord!
4. “I will return to you”
The Lord was supremely confident that His word of promise would be fulfilled. He looked forward to visiting them when the baby Isaac would be born. His name would be called “Isaac” for both prospective parents had laughed at the thought of being parents at their age! Sarah and Abraham would have to decide whether they would dwell on the Lord’s promise or to dwell on their doubts! Faith must answer – “There is nothing too hard for the Lord.”