Genesis 17:17-19; Genesis 21:1-5
Verse 17:17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?”
Abraham and Sarah had waited many years for the son they were promised. They knew what God had said but how could it be? While parenthood began much later in life prior to the flood, times had changed and it was no longer physically possible. Abraham trusted God but this seemed far-fetched.
While we have the opportunity to see this as history it was their yet unseen future. They knew God had said that they would have many descendants, yet the only real option they had seen was the servant girl, Hagar, and that had not turned out to be the dream they had hoped. It brought great heartache and strained their relationship. They had tried to do things through their own efforts and it had backfired. But God hadn’t given up His plan. The Lord’s plan included the child not being born too early. The timing had to be just right. Abraham may have had his moments of doubt but God never changed His mind. He had a plan and He was sticking with it.
With the birth of Isaac, God kept His word and sent the promised son. The son that would provide a nation of descendants. He didn’t come in the timing that they may have wanted but God gave them what He had promised, in the timing He had chosen so that His purposes would be done. Abraham and Sarah had a special part in God’s plan, though they may not have understood it fully.
God had called them from their homeland, brought them riches – both in livestock and wealth, He had given them interactions with men of political position and had given them promises of much more, including many children. One of those future children would be the One promised to Eve many years before.
By the time of the New Testament Jews had received the promises given to their ancestor, Abraham. They had moved into the land promised to him, had grown the population of the bloodline and were still awaiting the promised future Son. Their father, Isaac, had come as promised, although he came years after the original promise and they had no reason to doubt that God would send His Redeemer in His perfect timing.
Making It Personal
Have you ever felt like you were waiting forever for something? What did you do while you waited? What are you to be doing as you wait for Christ’s return?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you find it hard to wait for something you really want? How do you act as you wait? What should you do as you wait for Jesus to come again (hint: Matthew 28:19-20)?
Closing Prayer
Father, waiting isn’t easy but we know that You can be trusted to keep Your word. Father, You have promised that Jesus will return and take us to be with You, give us the wisdom and courage to proclaim You and disciple others until that day comes. In Jesus’ name.
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