Sarah’s Laughter
“Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you,
according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” Gen. 18:14
The name Sarah means “beloved” and “princess.” Sarah, wife of Abraham, is described in Gen. 11:30
as barren. This sets the stage for the
miraculous to be promised and ultimately fulfilled by God. As we move through Genesis, we find in
chapter 18 that three visitors appear to Abraham and one, described as the
Lord, asks where Sarah is and promises that He will return later and Sarah
shall have a son. Sarah laughs to
herself at what she believes is utterly impossible. The Lord asks Abraham why Sarah would laugh
and in 18:14 states, “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time (moed) I will return to
you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”
In Gen. 21:6 Sarah gives birth to her son, Isaac, whose name
means “laughter.” Sarah says, “God
has made me laugh and all who hear will laugh with me.” This is significant in a prayer of blessing
for a daughter to be like Sarah. Such a
blessing asks God for the child to be beloved, a princess, and filled with joy
and laughter. What a wonderful blessing
to pray for our daughters!
In the Psalms we find references to joy and laughter, as
well as barrenness. God speaks forth His
promises to the barren women in Psalm 113:9, “He causes the childless woman
to live at home happily as a mother of children.”
Let’s also consider Psalm 126, using the CBJ (Complete
Jewish Bible):
“When Adonai restored Tziyon’s fortunes, we thought we were
dreaming.
Our mouths were full of laughter, and our tongues shouted
for joy.
Among the nations it was said, ‘Adonai has done great things
for them!
Adonai did do great things for us; and we are overjoyed.
Return our people from exile, Adonai, as streams fill vadis
in the Negev.
Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy.
He who goes out weeping as he carries his sack of seed will
come home with cries of joy
As he carries his sheaves of grain.”
Again, in Isaiah 61:3, “Yes, provide for those in Tziyon
who mourn, giving them garlands instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead
of mourning, a cloak of praise instead of a heavy spirit, so that they will be
called oaks of righteousness planted by Adonai, in which He takes pride.”
May we
discover the joy and laughter that Jesus has for us!
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