Between the first part of this week's Genesis reading, 18:1-5, and this part, 21:1-7, Abraham has once again given up Sarah and once again had her returned by God's actions (20:1-18).
The Lord has promised a child to Abraham by Sarah, and the Lord fulfills this promise. Abraham names his son Isaac, which means "he laughs." Sarah says, "God has brought laughter to me. Everyone who hears about this will laugh with me."
We laugh when we are happy. We laugh when we hear something we think is impossible. Both senses of laughter fit this story. Sarah is asserting that people will hear about this child and say, "She's done what we would have thought was impossible."
Questions for us as we reflect on this passage: Do we expect surprises from God? How do we react after we are aware of God's surprising gifts-to ourselves or to others?
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