“And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.” Genesis 21:1-3
What great rejoicing there must have been when Isaac was born. Sarah was now ninety years old, but I am sure she felt blessed beyond measure when she held that little boy in her arms. We can be sure that she was vas very protective of him, knowing that a promise rested on his head.
Then the test came. Ishmael was a teenager when Isaac was born. When Isaac was three years old, a feast was held to celebrate him. Sarah discovered Ishmael teasing his half-brother. Anger rose inside her and resulted in consequences far more serious than what was necessary. Perhaps she had suppressed her feeling for Hagar for many years. Even though Ishmael was legally Sarah’s child, it seems she had never really bonded with him. Sarah urged Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away.
Abraham did not want to do what Sarah asked. He loved Ishmael and legally he was required to divide his inheritance among all his children. However, Sarah was determined to secure Abraham’s inheritance for Isaac. God spoke to Abraham and told him to listen to his wife’s request and that “in Isaac shall thy seed be called.” God also promised him that he would make a nation of Ishmael, because he was Abraham’s seed. The final decision to send them away was Abraham’s.
In this story, we see the great love that Sarah had for Isaac, the miracle child God had given her. We also see the great love that Abraham had for Sarah, willing to go against his own wishes to keep her happy.
Those of us who are mothers can understand just how Sarah felt. From the moment we hold that little one in our arms, there is a love bond that cannot be broken. As they grow up, they may disappoint us at times, but no matter what, they will always be our children, and we will do whatever we have to do, to see them be successful.
Prayer: Thank you Lord Jesus for your great plan of salvation, and that it all started with your promise to Abraham and Sarah, that all nations of the earth would be blessed. You came to earth to fulfill that promise, and to purchase salvation for the whole world.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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