With God All Things Are Possible
- Abraham was 75 when God first promised him a child — vs. 12:1-7.
- In Genesis 16, at 86 yrs old, Abram proved he still had ability to produce a child with Hagar — vs. 16:16.
- Today's chapter begins with Abram being 99 yrs old. It’s been 24 yrs since God promised a son to Abram and Sarai. Sarai had always been barren and now even Abram is beyond age.
- It is truly hopeless. Abram begs God to allow Ishmael to be the promised heir — vs. 17:18.
- However, God’s purposes can not be thwarted. Abram and Sarai will have a child! All will know this birth is God’s doing and not mans.
God Has A Sense Of Humor
- God tells Abram and Sarai (now changed to Sarah) that the son of promise will be named Isaac — vs. 17:19.
- The name Isaac is significant because it is derived from the Hebrew word which means “to laugh.”
- Laughter plays an important role in Isaac’s miraculous birth.
- First, Abram laughs at God when he is told his 99 year old barren wife will indeed have a child — vs. 17:17.
- His laughter is not of joy, but unbelief.
- Second, Sarah laughs at the prospect of having a Child — vs. 18:12.
- Her laughter is also of unbelief.
- Finally, Sarah is given, by God, laughter for herself and also all who hear about her giving birth to Isaac — vs. 21:6-7.
- This laughter is from joy of witnessing God do the impossible!
- This laughter is from joy of witnessing God do the impossible!
- First, Abram laughs at God when he is told his 99 year old barren wife will indeed have a child — vs. 17:17.
A Covenant Sign
- God’s covenant with Abram is still solely based on God’s doing.
- This is emphasized by God referring to the promise as “my covenant” 9 times in chapter 17 — vs. 17:2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 19, 21.
- However, signs are usually attached to a covenant as a way we can participate and remember them (Noah/rainbow, Moses/sabbath, Jesus/communion & baptism).
- See the irony that God chose to “cut away” from the very organ that Abram had just used with Hagar to try and take matters into his own hands.
- Circumcision is a reminder that the promise is not of man’s seed, but God’s will alone!