Genesis 17:17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?”
Today’s verses show me God’s sense of humor, which shouldn’t seem odd to me, but when I think of the attributes of God, humor is not the first thing that comes to mind. In verse 17, Abraham laughs to himself when God reaffirms his promise to make Abraham a father to many at 99 and Sarah a mother at 90, long past child bearing years.
Genesis 17:18 And Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!”
As a side note, commentary says Abraham’s laugh wasn’t cynical, it was more of a “laugh to self” when you know something seems impossible but you trust God can do it anyway. And God doesn’t seem terribly offended because He goes on to tell Abraham that the son that Sarah will give Him is to be named Isaac, which means “one who laughs” or “he who laughs,” according to Google. That strikes me as humorous because of Abraham’s response in verse 17.
Genesis 17:19a Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac.
Precious Savior, Thank You for the reminder of the importance and power of laughter. Thank You for laughter in our lives, especially when it brings joy to our hearts. Help us to find Your joy in each day. Help us to laugh and rejoice in You. Amen.
Genesis 17:19b I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.
Have a blessed day.