Genesis 21 Son of Promise

It’s time! God finally sends Abraham and Sarah the son of promise. The one He promised would come by HIS plan. And at the EXACT time He specified in His last visit.

I find it fitting that Sarah ‘laughs’ twice in the story of Isaac. The two laughs are NOT the same though. The first is derision and unbelief. The second is pure joy. And the second extends to those around her. Sarah gives credit where credit is due too. “God has made laughter for me” (verse 6a).

Let’s join Sarah and Abraham as the day finally arrives. The day God promised and for the purpose He intended. No. Life won’t be without its challenges after this, but I KNOW that they NEVER forgot this miracle.

♥ ♦ ♥

Sarah and Abraham are at peace once more. Abraham has stopped worrying about being killed because of Sarah’s beauty. Not because it has faded in any way but because God has proven Himself faithful twice over on this issue. Neither of them dwell on the promise made a few months ago, but it hasn’t completely left their minds.

Sarah has been without the ‘way of the woman’ for a long time. She would have no ‘early signs’ of being pregnant. Most women would know when their monthly flow ceased. Not Sarah. She is initially oblivious to the new life growing within her.

Sarah is kneading bread one morning when she feels a fluttering in her center. It stops her short. “That was strange” she thinks, then she goes back to her work. An hour or so later she feels it again. Her brow furrows as she thinks about this new sensation.

As the memory of a promise rises in her spirit, her eyes widen in surprise! “Coud it be?!” she wonders. Sarah calls one of the servants to take over her task. She then hurries into her tent and stretches out on her pallet. She lays her hands on her stomach. She wants to be prepared for the next time she feels the strange sensation.

It happens again! Sarah didn’t feel movement in her hands but she certainly felt something in her middle. She isn’t ready to conclude that she is with child, yet, but she is leaning that way. Sarah rises from her pallet and goes in search of the midwife. “She will think me crazy for asking, but I HAVE to know!”

Sarah finds the midwife as she is exiting the tent of an expectant family. Upon seeing the look in Sarah’s eyes, the midwife knows something is wrong. Before Sarah can even speak, the midwife takes her by the hand and leads her into her own tent and indicates a place for her to sit.

“What is troubling you my lady? How may I be of service.”

Sarah is a little nervous to be voicing these concerns at her age, but she will never have her questions answered if she doesn’t ask them. “I know that you are the most skilled of midwives in our settlement and that you are said to know when a woman is with child, even before she knows herself.” Sarah hesitates a moment before going on.

The midwife is patient. She knows that, often, silence is her sharpest tool. Only patience will bring Sarah’s concerns to the surface. In the back of her mind, she is wondering who Sarah might be inquiring for.

Sarah takes a steadying breath before continuing. “Have you heard tell of the promise that was given to my lord regarding a son several months ago?”

“No. I know of Ishmel as I delivered him but nothing more.”

“This promise from God was given saying that I would bear my husband a child.”

The midwife’s eyes take on an air of sympathy. “Surely my lady is too old” she thinks.

Before the midwife has a chance to speak words of comfort to Sarah, Sarah continues. “This morning, and at least twice more, I have felt a fluttering in my center. I know it sounds impossible as I have ceased to have the way of the women for some time now, but would you please examine me and tell me the truth of the matter? Am I with child or am I ailing in some way?”

“Certainly dear” the midwife replies while taking Sarah’s hand in her own. She guides Sarah to a pallet where she can lie down for a full examination.

Sarah’s eyes are held tightly shut, half in fear and half in expectation. “What news will she bring me” she wonders. The babe in Sarah’s womb seems to sense her need to know. He begins moving about as if trying to be noticed. Sarah feels this movement acutely but is afraid to say anything.

The midwife carefully checks Sarah in every detail. She is seeing signs of pregnancy but is afraid to commit to that diagnosis. After she finishes, she puts Sarah’s garments back in place and bids her to come back to the cushions.

Sarah can wait no longer. “What did you find?”

Choosing her words carefully, the midwife tells Sarah of her suspicions. “There are some of the signs I would expect from a first-time mother, but I can’t be certain. IF you are with child, it is too early for the child to be felt through the womb…”

Sarah interrupts her. “I felt the fluttering immensely while you were examining me.”

“That would be a good early sign for any expectant mother. At this stage, with an expectant mother, I would advise her to watch and wait. I would caution any mother who is in her later years to avoid strain or overexertion; especially during the early months. If you will come to visit me in two weeks, I should be able to give you a more definitive answer.”

Sarah nods her head in understanding. “We will wait then.” Sarah doesn’t have to ask the midwife to keep her secret. She is a very discrete woman and always allows the mother to announce her condition to her husband and family.

The midwife is confused with all she has seen, but if the Lord promised it, who is she to doubt. She has seen MORE than her share of miracles in her lifetime. THIS one would top them all!

Sarah assigns all of her more demanding tasks to her servants. She is not taking ANY chances! Having more free time is NOT a blessing though. It makes the two weeks drag by. She distracts herself as much as possible with sewing tasks. “I may be sewing baby clothes and diapers soon” she thinks with a smile on her face.

Finally, the two weeks are over. Sarah quietly goes to the tent of the midwife and waits. She tries to be as inconspicuous as possible. She doesn’t want tongues wagging. She doesn’t have to wait long.

As soon as the midwife approaches her tent she spies Sarah at the door. “This is it” she thinks. “A miracle or mourning.” To Sarah, she quickly extends her hand and draws her inside her tent.

Sarah knows what to do without even being told. She quickly assumes her position of the pallet. Ready to submit to whatever the midwife feels is necessary. She clasps her hands tightly across her breasts in nervousness. This time she doesn’t close her eyes. They dart about the room, looking for distractions to occupy her mind while she waits for an answer.

The first thing that the midwife notices is a little more swelling in Sarah’s abdomen. “This is a good sign” she thinks to herself. As she continues her thorough examination, she becomes more certain of her diagnosis. When she lays her hand on Sarah’s abdomen to feel for movement, she is not disappointed! Her eyes widen in surprise and a smile the size of a half-moon appears on her face. She leans over into Sarah’s view and nods her head.

Sarah’s eyes widen and a smile transforms her face. The midwife sits back as Sarah rises from her position. She is almost radiant as she rearranges her clothing after her examination.

The two women return to the sitting area to talk. “I NEVER would have believed it possible” says the midwife.

“I had major doubts myself. But Abraham’s God told him that I would have a child by the time he returned ‘the next year’. And when I laughed at the prospect, he said “Is nothing impossible with God.” He has been gone for about four months now.”

The midwife nods. “That sounds about right.”

“How far along do you think I am?”

“I would say you are about 20-23 weeks along. I can’t be more precise as you don’t have a flow to judge time from. You are half-way there!”

Sarah has been rubbing her stomach through her tunic since rising from the pallet. “Is there anything I should do, or not do now? Any special foods to eat? Oh, I feel like such an idiot! Women are supposed to know all this by my age” she laughs.

“Well, you are one for the history books dear mistress.”

“Please call me Sarah. I have a feeling we are going to be seeing a lot of each other.”

“That we will. I usually visit my older mothers more frequently, to make sure all is good. But since this is definitely an act of God, I’m not too worried. He who began a good thing in you is able to complete it!”

The women converse for a few more minutes and the midwife gives Sarah a list of foods that ‘might’ upset her stomach.

Sarah hurries back to her tent to prepare something special for Abraham. She will tell him her news after their evening meal.

Careful not to tire herself too much, Sarah prepares Abraham’s favorite dishes. Roasted beef, wild honey, bread, wine, and the last of her dates. It is a meal fit for a king; or at least for the father of many nations.

Evening arrives and Abraham is on his way home. He is tired from a long day. He enjoys seeing the families gathered around their fires in the evenings. He is looking forward to the day when Ishmael is old enough to sit at table with him. It will be soon, as he is approaching his 13^th birthday. He would be at least dining at a nearby table if not for the animosity between Hagar and Sarah. He wishes it were not so, but he can do nothing about it. Once Ishmael is a ‘man’ he can come and go absent his mother.

Abraham enters his tent and notices Sarah waiting for him. She looks especially radiant tonight. Her smile is infectious. Abraham smiles in return and asks “What is it my love that has brought such a smile to your countenance?”

Sarah shakes her head. “It will keep. Come, sit and eat. Then we will talk.”

Abraham does as he is told. He notices what is set before him. “That talk must be serious if you feel the need to soften me up with such a meal” chides Abraham.

“It is serious, but you need no softening up. I have prepared a celebration meal for you.”

Sarah’s words strike a chord in Abraham’s spirit and he instantly knows what Sarah wants to tell him. His face brightens to rival hers as he asks “Sarah, are you with child?!”

Sarah’s head drops and her smile dims.

“What is it my love” Abram asks as he moves to be by her side.

Tears have begun to trickle down Sarah’s face. Abraham tips her chin up and asks again. “What is wrong? You were so happy a moment ago.”

“I wanted to be the one to tell you” she cries.

“I am so sorry. I should have waited. My excitement got the better of me. Tell me the tale from the beginning. I want to hear every detail.”

Sarah nods and dries her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m being ridiculous crying like this. Go back to your meal. We will talk afterwards.”

“No. I want to hear your story now. Then we will celebrate together.”

Abraham wraps his cloak around Sarah as he used to do when they were first married. It is such an intimate gesture that Sarah offers no more resistance. She pours out her heart to Abraham from the moment she heard the words of the visitor until her latest visit with the midwife. She tells him of all her doubts and confesses that she did indeed laugh when she overheard the conversation. They talk for hours about both of their processes. Abraham even admits to a few times of doubt himself.

By the time Abraham and Sarah finish talking their dinner is cold. Abraham tells Sarah that it will make wonderful sandwiches for tomorrow. The dates are enough to satisfy this blissfully happy couple.

The morning brings the chores of a new day. Sarah had asked Abraham to remain quiet, for a time at least, about their news. This is going to be difficult for him because he is SO excited. The FIRST thing he will do though is to take a sacrifice to the altar he has built to his God. An offering of thanks giving. While there he will also offer a prayer of protection for Sarah throughout her pregnancy.

Sarah and Abraham are able to keep their secret for a few more months. Sarah is now obviously pregnant and she moves with more difficulty. Even this though is a welcome experience for Sarah.

Hagar was the first to notice Sarah’s condition. She said nothing for fear of further angering her mistress. Their relationship was already strained because of Hagar having given birth to Abraham’s son. And Sarah could be spiteful at times. Hagar tried her best to placate her mistress.

Rumors and questions have begun to circulate through the camp. One vile rumor making the rounds is that the child Sarah is carrying belongs to the king of Gerar. Another cruel one is that Sarah is just pretending to be pregnant in order to fool the people into thinking that a miracle has happened. It’s time to set the record straight!

Abraham calls a meeting of the camp. He and Sarah will finally share the miracle with the rest of their people.

“I called you here tonight to dispel any rumors and to share the greatest fulfillment of promise that my God has made to me” begins Abraham. “First of all, Sarah is carrying MY child. As some of you were witness to the king’s returning her to me; he gave me a thousand pieces of silver as a sign of her innocence. She remained pure the entire time she was in the home of the king. And I take full responsibility for placing her in that position to begin with. I was afraid I would be killed so that another could take her as his own if I revealed I was her husband. God Himself saw to her protection.”

Heads nodded around the group, and some heads bowed in shame for the rumors they had been spreading. Abraham looked around, taking notice of all this before he continued.

“Sarah’s state is indeed proof of God’s mighty power. She is indeed carrying my child and is due to bring him into the world in another month and a half, or so. For any who doubt this, you need only wait until that day and see for yourselves.” Abraham looks out into the crowd with steel in his eyes with this statement.

“The Lord promised me a son from the beginning of our journey. I had difficulty understanding the fullness and specifics of that promise. I tried to ‘help’ God along and was blessed with a son by my wife’s maid, Hagar. I love Ishmael. And God has also promised to make Ishmael a prince of many nations. But Sarah is carrying the son God was speaking of in His promise to me. He told me this Himself. Imagine my surprise when He told me that Sarah and I would have a son! Our age alone should have prevented this, but He also had to open Sarah’s womb, as she has never been able to bear children before. So, my family, REJOICE with us and be glad! For nothing is impossible with God!!!”

The rumors died down after Abraham addressed the camp and life returned to the ‘new normal’. Awaiting a miracle birth was not always easy. Abraham had to endure questions of “How much longer” more than a few times. Sarah was watched by all the women. They were in awe, and a few who were also childless found renewed hope. “If God can open Sarah’s womb at 90 years old, He can certainly open mine!”

The last few weeks of Sarah’s pregnancy she stayed very close to home. She seldom left the confines of her tent. Select visitors came to keep her company and break up her long days. The midwife came every few days, but was always nearby awaiting the call.

“It’s time” Sarah says to a sleeping Abraham.

“Huh” Abraham mumbles in his sleep.

Sarah pushes his shoulder a few times to rouse him. “It’s time!”

Abraham’s eyes snap open at Sarah’s words. “Are you sure” he asks.

“Without the midwife I can’t be 100% certain as I’ve never done this before, but I am having pains that are being consistent.”

Abraham wakes a sleeping servant and sends her for the midwife. While they await her arrival, Abraham arranges the pillows behind Sarah’s back.

The midwife arrives in short order and Abraham is shooed from the tent. It feels like an eternity before the midwife emerges. “I’m sorry my master. The babe is not quite ready to make its entrance into the world, but it won’t be long.”

Abraham’s face falls. “What should I do now?”

The midwife’s gentle smile melts Abraham’s heart. “Go in and comfort your wife. She too is feeling this discouragement and a bit of embarrassment.”

Abraham goes in to Sarah and holds her hand. Sarah has tears running down her cheeks and falling onto her night clothes. “Please don’t cry my love” Abraham croons.

“I feel so foolish! How could I have been so wrong?” blubbers Sarah.

“You said it yourself; this is the first time you have experienced this. I have heard MANY times husbands talk of bringing the midwife multiple times to their tent before the actual time of birth. We can now join their ranks” Abrahm says with a smile.

Sarah gives a little laugh. “I suppose we can at that.” She wipes her eyes and settles back into her pillows. “Hopefully I won’t be another record.”

Abraham lets out a full laugh. “If you do, I will have one more thing to brag about.”

The two of them settle back down into sleep after a while.

Sarah has two more night time visits from the midwife before she makes up her mind that she will NOT be fooled again. As she is finishing up a new gown for her babe she is seized by a strong pain. She almost cries out but is determined to alert no one again with another false alarm. Sarah moves to the bed and tries to relax. An hour and a half later, she can stand it no more. Her pains are strong and regular. Just before she decides to call for the midwife, she feels a gush of fluid escape her. She KNOWS that this is a true signal. There is no Abraham to wake from his sleep this time and the servants are all outside tending to their chores. She will have to summon help herself this time.

Sarah carefully rises from her pallet while holding onto her belly. She makes her way to the door of the tent just as Hagar is passing by.

“Hagar” Sarah calls.

Hagar turns to comes to her mistress. She knows that look! She has seen it many times. Hagar quickly closes the distance between them. “Let me help you lie back down. Then I will go get the midwife.”

“Thank you. Please send word also to Abraham.”

“Yes mistress. Let’s just get you settled first.”

Sarah lays back down on her pallet. She doesn’t even notice the wetness beneath her. Her mind is focused on the pain and riding each wave of it.

Hagar sends word to Abraham and then quickly returns with the midwife. The midwife expertly assesses the situation. “This is it mistress Sarah.” She begins arranging all her tools and moves Sarah into a position that will allow her the most comfort during the process. She then turns her attention to Hagar who is standing off to the side. “You will assist me” she states with authority.

Hagar wrings her hands. “I don’t know that my mistress would approve of my assistance.”

“Of course she will” states the midwife. Then she turns her gaze to Sarah. “Won’t you my dear.”

Hearing the midwife’s tone and knowing she needed someone, Sarah vigorously nods her head. Hagar quickly kneels beside Sarah and offers what comfort she can. She also attends to every demand of the midwife, including holding Sarah’s legs in place.

Three hours pass before the cry of the babe is heard through the tent walls. Abraham is waiting outside with many others and together, they send up a rousing cheer. He has to be patient and wait until called into the tent before he can see his son and his wife. And YES, he knows the babe is a boy without even being told; by man.

As the midwife is cleaning up Sarah and wrapping the birth products, Sarah looks lovingly at her son who is vigorously nursing. She sees Hagar’s shadow move across her and she is reminded of her presence. “Oh Hagar, I don’t know how I would have managed without your help. Thank you.”

Hagar smiles; “It was my pleasure mistress.”

It feels like an eternity before the tent flap opens. Hagar is the one to draw it back to let Abraham in. Abraham moves quickly to Sarah’s side and looks at the bundle wrapped in her arms. “Your son my lord” Sarah says with a sweet smile and a gentle voice.

Abraham reaches out and strokes the child’s head. “He has a lot of hair already, this son of mine.”

“He does at that” the midwife replies from the side. “I’ve not seen this much hair on a child in quite some time. And that child grew up to be a remarkable warrior.”

“My son is promised to be the beginning of many nations. Maybe he will need that hair so he won’t be completely bald after pulling so much out of it during times of stress” chuckles Abraham.

Sarah smiles and simply shakes her head.

Mother and son remain in bed until the morning of the 8^th day of his life. This day is special unto the Lord. This is the day that his son will receive the mark of the promise. And he will receive his name publicly. Sarah and Abraham already know his name but they have not said it yet; as is the custom.

Sarah is a bit worried about the circumcision. She remembers how it took a toll on Abraham and the rest of the camp when God told them to make this sign. She doesn’t want her son enduring such pain. “Do we have to do this to him now? Could we wait a while, or maybe skip it all together?”

“Absolutely not” Abraham answers in a tone that brooks no argument. “The Lord commanded this and He also specified the timing. Without adherence to His statutes, He said to me ‘Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in his flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant’ (Genesis 17:14). I will NOT see my son cut off from the Lord for the sake of a little pain. He will recover easily as he is so young.”

Sarah nods her acceptance. She does not want to anger the Lord. He has blessed her with this miracle. Who is she to deny Him this mark. After Sarah finishes dressing herself and her son, all are ready. The three of them leave their tent together with Abraham holding the curtain for his wife to exit through.

As the head of the household, Abraham is tasked with preforming the circumcision. Sarah is glad of that because she believes his hand will be steadier as it is his son’s future he is holding in his hands. The actual deed is much faster than Sarah ever expected. Her son didn’t even cry until after all was completed. She wanted to take him immediately and let him nurse to sooth his tears but there was one last thing to be done before she could have him back. He had to receive his name publicly. It had to be spoken by his parents in the presence of witnesses.

Abraham holds his son aloft, facing out towards the crowd so all can see him. “This, my son has brought laughter to the hearts of his parents. Therefore, his name shall be Isaac. One who laughs. May he find laughter in his life also. And may he serve the God of his fathers, for HE is the one who made this miracle possible in the first place.”

Sarah beams as Abraham pronounces their son’s name; Isaac. And she is too prays that her son will follow the God of his father.

♥ ♦ ♥

Can we say “Only God!” Sarah was beyond ANY man’s means of providing her a child. Even today, with modern medicine, women who have gone through menopause do NOT have children. But NOTHING is impossible for God.

I enjoyed walking in Sarah’s story. I remember the ‘false alarms’ of each of my pregnancies. I HATED being told, “Not yet.” It was disheartening and made me doubt myself. But God brought about my children in His timing.

I also had to add in those who were waiting for their miracle, the hope they received in seeing another’s miracle brought into being. I’m sure there were also those who were bitter at the sight, because they felt more ‘deserving’ of such a gift. I will admit to having been in both pairs of shoes at one time or another. I definitely prefer the first ‘pair of pumps’.

Father God, thank You for ‘faith building stories’. This is one that would be told over and over again throughout the ages. It is a story still told and lifted up in times of doubt. It is also a story of how You work personally in our lives. We don’t all need ‘a miracle child’ but we need something from You. Thank You for the MANY miracle stories You have given me! And I KNOW You aren’t done yet!!! I’m looking forward to the next story in the lineup. Whatever it is, I give YOU praise for it!