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The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, ‘My lord, if I find favour with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.’ So they said, ‘Do as you have said.’ And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, ‘Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.’ Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate. They said to him, ‘Where is your wife Sarah?’ And he said, ‘There, in the tent.’ Then one said, ‘I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, ‘After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?’ The Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, and say, “Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?” Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.’ But Sarah denied, saying, ‘I did not laugh’; for she was afraid. He said, ‘Oh yes, you did laugh.’ (Genesis 18:1-15) Reflection Sarah’s story might just be one of the most compelling stories out of scripture. Her story is one that almost seems out of place in the narrative to this point, yet it speaks volumes about the ways in which we sometimes react when God is on the move. Like those who went before her, Sarah has been given a promise alongside her husband, Abraham, that despite their aging states and their seemingly futile prior attempts, the couple will have a child together and God will make their descendants as innumerable as the stars in the sky. Like the promises made (and delivered) to Noah, here God stakes God’s claim with this aging couple to guarantee an unprecedented series of fortunate events for them. But it’s just too good to be true. The news is so unexpected, so wonderful, in fact, that Sarah can’t help but laugh at the plans God has for her! In fact, the plan as God has enumerated is so outlandish to Sarah that she tries taking matters into her own hand, making for a horrific plan gone awry with her servant Hagar (with repercussions into which God still manages to deliver fresh and lasting promises, mind you). Now, here in this text that welcomes divine strangers into their presence, Sarah and Abraham are met once again with the promise of God being laid out for them. Yet, the possibility that God prescribes for Sarah and Abraham is so impossible in Sarah’s mind that she can’t even look at it with a straight face. Her laughter at once seems overwhelming, obstinate, and yet hope-filled. Now, that’s something I can relate to. When it seems that God is laying out plans that seem downright impossible, that seem too grand, too outlandish, that seem too good to be true, maybe all that we have left is to laugh it out. So, laugh on and see what God can do! --Justin Lingenfelter Prayer Joy-filled God, nothing is too wonderful for you. When we can’t help but laugh at the goodness you prepare, remind us of your ever-unfolding story of life and love for your people. May we walk with your joy, sharing your wonderful news with all the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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