FAITH IN GOD'S PLANS part One

 FAITH IN GOD'S PLANS

REFLECTION:

Think about a news story you've heard that seemed impossible at first to believe … but turned out to be true.  How did you react?  What questions did you have?

Read Genesis 18:1 - 15 and 21:1 - 3

18 The Eternal One appeared once again to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, while he was resting at the entrance to his tent in the middle of a hot afternoon. 2 Abraham glanced up and saw there were three men standing nearby. They seemed to appear out of nowhere. As soon as he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent out to where they were standing and greeted them warmly, instinctively bowing to the ground.

Abraham: 3 My lord, if you would like to stay for a while, I beg you not to pass me by. I am your humble servant. 4 Let me send someone for water in order to wash your feet. Please go and sit down under that tree over there and rest. 5 Meanwhile, let me send for some bread so that you can nourish yourselves. After that I will not detain you further—you may be on your way—since you have come and honored your servant with your presence.

Three Men: Please, go and do what you have suggested.

6 In spite of the heat, Abraham hurried into his tent to Sarah.

Abraham (to Sarah): Sarah, we have guests. Quickly prepare three measures[a] of our best flour, knead it, and make cakes.

7 Then Abraham ran to where his herds were pastured. He took a tender calf and gave it to one of his servants, who rushed off to prepare the choice meat. 8 When it was ready, Abraham took curds and milk, along with the meat, and he placed all of this lavish feast before his honored guests. He stood nearby under the tree while they ate to their fill.

Three Men: 9 Where is Sarah, your wife?

Abraham: She’s right in there . . . in the tent.

One of the Men: 10 I will return here to you when life emerges from the womb[b] of your wife, Sarah. She will give birth to a son.[c]

Now Sarah was behind her guests, listening to all of this from the entrance of the tent. 11 Abraham and Sarah were quite old at this time, well advanced in years, and Sarah had long ago gone through menopause. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying under her breath, “At my age—old and decrepit, as is my husband—both of us long past having any desire to engage in lovemaking?” 13 But the Eternal heard what Sarah said and addressed Abraham.

Eternal One: Why does Sarah laugh and say to herself, “There’s no way I’m going to give birth at my age!” 14 Is anything too difficult for the Eternal One to accomplish? At a time that I will determine, I will return here to you when life emerges from her womb. I’m telling you, Sarah will give birth to a son.[d]

15 Sarah was embarrassed and tried to deny laughing. She feared these were no ordinary guests.

Sarah: I wasn’t laughing.

 

Eternal One: That is not true, Sarah. You did laugh. 

GENESIS 21:1 - 3

1 The Eternal One kept His promise, 2 and Sarah conceived and gave birth to Abraham’s son (in their advanced age) exactly as the Eternal had indicated. 3 Abraham named his child, who was born to Sarah, Isaac.

1. How did the Lord appear to Abraham in the story? How did Abraham respond?

2.  How did Sarah react when she overheard the visitors speaking with Abraham?

3.  Why do you think she responded this way? What could have been some of the thoughts running through her mind?

4.  Why do you think Sarah then denied her response to the three visitors?

5.  What does this story tell you about Sarah and her faith at this point?

6.  How did God respond to Sarah's laughter and lack of faith? 

(c) Harpscrossing.com