Yesterday we talked about Eve, the first mother, but what about other mothers in the Bible? Well, Mary of course, but there are many others to be remembered.
Sarah was married to Abraham, but for many years she was not able to conceive. She even grew so desperate that she allowed her handmaiden Hagar to be a surrogate so that Abraham could have the sons that were to fulfill his destiny.
However, although Hagar produced children, a messenger of the Lord came to Abraham & told him that he would not only be the father of many nations, but that his wife Sarah would be the mother. This may have not been surprising, except for the angel’s timing… but this time Sarah was, well, old. Certainly well past the usual childbearing years. She even laughed when told that she would have a son.
From Genesis 18:
9 They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” 10 Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15 But Sarah denied, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. He said, “Oh yes, you did laugh.”
Of course, the Lord kept his word to Sarah & to Abraham & Issac was born. And Issac is a forefather of Jesus, so this birth was important indeed.
Did you know that Issac means “he laughs”? This seems so appropriate for his mother who laughed at the foretelling of his birth.
And, of course, it is Issac who proved Abraham’s complete obedience to God when they went up the mountain to the sacrificial spot. When he grew, Issac was one of the most peaceful leaders of the Old Testament.
So let us celebrate Sarah who laughed & her baby boy, Issac.
