Exploring the Scripture
The book of Genesis can be divided into two main parts. The first part covers God’s creation of the world and people’s early cultural and religious development (Genesis 18:1–11). The second, the lineage of God’s chosen people, prospering amid human struggles and strife (vv. 12–50). Genesis writers captured the word-of-mouth histories of ancestors as passed from generation to generation of those who lived before their time and beyond their memories or experience. They included good, bad, and difficult stories to make the book a truthful telling. In their understanding, ancestors and details did not need to be perfect or accurate for their journeys to be divine and true. Genesis is the beginning, the birthplace of their existence, lineage, and their community’s lasting covenant with God.
Abraham and Sarah appear at the start of the lineage portion of Genesis (chapters 12–25). Abraham kept covenant with God by obeying commandments and following God’s will. Abraham’s lineage is claimed by Judaism and Christianity through Isaac (vv. 21:1–4) and Jacob (vv. 25:21–26), and Islam through Ishmael (vv. 16:9–13). Abraham not only fathered bloodlines, he also journeyed to settle in the land given him by God (vv. 12:1–3) and be an example of faithfulness.
Today’s passage focuses on how God surprised Abraham and Sarah with news that they would be blessed in their old age with a child. God appears to Abraham as three visiting strangers. Abraham treats the visitors with high esteem, providing water and a feast. After eating, the visitors ask Abraham about his wife Sarah. They tell Abraham that after a fullness of time they will visit again and Sarah will have a son. Listening from the tent, Sarah laughed to herself at such news. The divine visitor hears her thoughts and surprises Abraham and Sarah by asking why Sarah laughed. Sarah denies out of fear saying, “I did not laugh.” “Oh yes, you did laugh,” God replied (v. 18:15).
The pronounced time passed and despite her advanced age Sarah gave birth to a son. Abraham named him Isaac, from the Hebrew word for laughter, and circumcised him at eight days old as God commanded (vv. 17:10–12). Sarah proclaims that God brought her laughter so others will laugh with her, for no one could imagine she would bear Abraham a son so late in life (vv. 21:6–7).
God’s grace and generosity are revealed in this passage as life-giving for everyone involved. The passage begins with Abraham’s uncommon generosity toward the three visitors. We understand the visitors as personifying God. However, Abraham welcomes the guests as nobility without knowing their station or nature. Abraham has his household provide foot-washing, refreshment, and relaxation, with Sarah willingly preparing snacks and a feast. It was a gift that involved everyone’s participation. In return, God gives Sarah a son, despite her laughter at the idea. Abraham receives his son Isaac and treats him as his firstborn (vv. 25:5–6). In this way, gratitude begets gratitude, and blesses generations.
God’s generosity can also be surprising in our own lives and communities. Sarah’s laughter at God’s pronouncement soon turned to joy. Like Sarah, each one has potential waiting to be revealed through God’s blessings and joyfully given to others. Sometimes we laugh at God’s promptings, doubting the possibilities. Yet when we step forward to receive God’s offering, we are blessed with joy. God visits us faithfully. It is never too late to receive and respond.
Faith Unfiltered Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- Be open to God’s surprise for your life and congregation.
- Be available to receive God’s generosity.
- Be ready to respond to God’s call.
Questions to Consider
- What do you see God giving birth to in your life, congregation, and community?
- How are you or the congregation experiencing God’s generosity?
- How can you and the congregation respond
faithfully to where the Holy Spirit is leading you?