“And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?”
In this verse, we witness an encounter between Abraham, his wife Sarah, and three visitors who were actually angelic beings. Prior to this verse, these visitors informed Abraham that Sarah would bear a son within a year, despite her old age. Sarah, who was listening from the tent, laughed within herself upon hearing this news. Then, the Lord questioned Abraham about Sarah’s laughter.
This verse highlights an essential theme found throughout the Bible:the fulfilment of God’s promises. In the preceding chapters of Genesis, God made a covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars and that through his offspring, all nations would be blessed. However, Sarah’s barrenness posed a significant obstacle to the fulfilment of this promise. She had already passed the age of childbearing, making the notion of giving birth seemingly impossible.
Sarah’s laughter, though inaudible to the visitors, revealed her scepticism and doubt regarding the fulfilment of God’s promise. In fact, later in Genesis 18:15, Sarah even denied laughing when the visitors questioned her about it, perhaps out of fear or embarrassment.
This verse reminds us that even those who have a close relationship with God can experience moments of doubt and disbelief. Sarah’s laughter reflects her struggle to trust in God’s ability to bring about the impossible. However, the Lord’s response to her laughter provides valuable lessons for us.
In the following verse, Genesis 18:14, the Lord poses a rhetorical question to Abraham: “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” This question not only challenges Sarah’s doubt but also serves as a reminder of God’s omnipotence and sovereignty over all things. It emphasises that nothing is impossible for God, and He is fully capable of fulfilling His promises, even in situations that seem utterly improbable or against human understanding.
Furthermore, Sarah’s laughter and subsequent denial teach us about the importance of honesty and transparency with God. God knows our hearts, and we cannot hide our doubts or scepticism from Him. Sarah’s laughter did not go unnoticed by the Lord, and this emphasises the significance of being genuine before God, trusting Him enough to share our doubts and fears openly.
Ultimately, despite Sarah’s doubt, God remained faithful to His promise. In Genesis 21:1-2, Sarah conceived and gave birth to a son, Isaac, at the appointed time, exactly as God had promised. Through Isaac, the lineage of Abraham continued, eventually leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, who became the Saviour of the world.
The story of Sarah’s laughter serves as a reminder that God’s promises are trustworthy and that our doubts and disbelief do not hinder His faithfulness. It encourages us to surrender our doubts to God, honestly seeking His guidance and trusting in His ability to accomplish the impossible in our lives.
