Both Abraham (17:17) and Sarah (18:12) had laughed at the impossibility of having a son. One year later “the LORD was gracious to Sarah … and …did for Sarah what he had promised.” They could finally understand God’s joy in naming him Isaac (17:19). Sarah saw this as a source of joy for everyone, not only her. Her crushed spirit was restored. God’s promises fulfilled through Jesus reveal his faithfulness and are a source of joy to us.

Hagar’s teenage son did not laugh but mocked. Abraham and Sarah’s sin against Hagar continued to hurt the family. But God intervened, affirming Isaac while directing Hagar and Ishmael to be sent out. Sending them away was the painful cost of sin, which God took responsibility for on their behalf.

Hagar’s life has been hard as an abused slave, used up and then cast aside. But God did not abandon her. God visits her again, calls her by name, provides words of comfort and direction, and opens her eyes to his providence for them. God’s mindfulness for her and her son reminds us of our Lord Jesus, who came to seek and to save the lost (Lk 19:10). Sometimes we or our loved ones feel like Hagar sobbing in the desert, needing God’s intervention. Let’s pray to our merciful God.
Application: Father, remind me of the joy of salvation that I may laugh today. Please intervene in the lives of today’s Hagar and Ishmael.
One Word: God keeps his promises