Genesis 21:1-7

This chapter revolves around the word laugh which appears twice.  The second usage we will consider later.  The first, interestingly, is in the name Isaac which means he laughs, indicating the Lord’s joy for Abraham and Sarah in place of the previous laughter of unbelief.  What is the cause of such joyful laughter?

·       God fulfilled His word, v1.  Abraham had been in the land 25 years, waiting for this day.  But the world had been waiting since the day sin entered the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15).
·       God was right on time, v2.  God had said within a year.  He said it would be in their old age.  This was a great time to have a son.

 ·       The Messiah was another step closer, v3.  It had to be a son through Sarah, and finally that son was born.

 ·       Obedience was immediate, v4.  This was worthy of joyful laughter given Abraham’s struggles with obedience in Egypt and Gerar.

·       Hope was realized, v5 (cf. Rom. 4:16-19).  It is emphasized that Abraham was 100 years old.  He had hoped for this day for a long time.  Like Abraham we also wait in hope for our Lord’s return (Rom. 8:25; Psalm 131:2; Heb. 10:35-39).

·       Sarah believed God, v6.  Sarah is an example of faith also (Heb. 11:11).  When did she believe?  Perhaps now, as it was with Thomas who only believed when he saw the nail prints on Jesus hands.  Or perhaps when she was rebuked by the evil king in the previous chapter (20:16-18). 

·       Sarah blessed Abraham, v7.  Unlike Gen. 16 where her plan brought stress and heartache into the picture, Sarah is now a blessing to her husband.  By the grace and omnipotent power of God she can laugh uproariously in joy!

Consider these reasons for joy.  As a believer do you not find these very things to be the cause of satisfaction in your soul?  Do you not experience that inexpressible joy when God’s plan and timing and provision come together as you have waited patiently?  Hope in the exaltation of Christ at His return will result in such joy (I Peter 1:6-9).  That is why we find such encouragement in our life of faith when we have such a hope (1 John 3:2-3).  Hope in the Lord!