Nov. 10th The Laughter of God
Ever have to wait a long time for an answer? Illness - spouse, direction - Baby?
This story is for you if you have ever lost the laughter
Sarai - woman without joy - scorn of community - topic of gossip
Being barren at 65 is bad enough - at 75 worse if living with a promise
Before we begin - are you willing to let God utterly and completely Surprise you?
Story line
Gen. 16:1-6 don’t try to make God’s plan happen - don’t settle with career, spouse, faith walk
Gen. 17:1-5 This is El Shaddai speaking God Almighty New name Abram to Abraham
Gen 17:10 Circumcision (Mark of the Body) Creation and Destruction linked together
Gen. 17:15 New name for Sarai - Sarah
Gen. 17:16-17 AND a baby (Abe laughs)
Gen. 17:18 "If only Ishmael"
Gen. 17:19-20 Promises to Isaac and Ishmael - both princes but covenant extended through Isaac
Paraphrase Gen. 18:1-15 - 3 men arrive, Sarah cook food,
Where’s Sarah? In the tent (eavesdropping)
Read aloud Gen. 18:11-15 What man can do vs. What God can do
Burn this into your heart "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
3 men turn to go - BTW - Yes you did laugh (first time in a long time?)
Fast Forward Chapter 21:1-6
Vs. 6 God has brought me laughter - Surprise!
Fast forward again Gen. 22:1-2 13 years later? 30 years later?
Step ten Exchange of first born sons - Peace Child
Close with vs. Gen. 22: 15-18
Now both Sarah and Abe surprised
