TODAY IN THE WORD
The highlight of the Hudson family reunion in North Carolina occurs after the casseroles and pies have been eaten. That’s when the older generation of cousins pull out worn photo albums and sit telling stories about their childhood in the rural foothills. Lots of laughter and knee-slapping ensues as they tell about the time six-year-old Ida wanted to baptize the cats, when little Clyde tried to scare away his older sister’s boyfriend, or when Uncle Elmer would organize all the kids to play baseball.

In our reading today, Sarah understood the bond of laughter in a more profound way than most people. The Lord had promised Abraham that he would become a great nation, but thus far all that had happened was Sarah’s ill-fated plan for Abraham to have a son with her servant Hagar. At this point, Sarah and Abraham were both old and “worn out” (18:12). When she heard the Lord say that within a year she would have a son, Sarah laughed at the preposterous notion.

Her laughter didn’t go unchallenged by the Lord. Although she denied it, He knew both that she did laugh and why she laughed. In response, He repeated the promise that she would bear a son within the year—for “is anything too hard for the Lord?” (18:13). God was gracious and faithful and true; He “did for Sarah what he had promised” (21:1). He always fulfills His promises in His way and at His time.

Abraham named his son Isaac, which means “laughter.” What a perfect name for this child! When his impending conception was announced, his mother laughed at the hilarious impossibility of the idea. Later, as she held her infant, Sarah could testify, “God has brought me laughter”—meaning both her son Isaac, who was “laughter,” and the laughter of great joy—“and everyone who hears this will laugh with me” (21:6). The birth of this child was a reason to laugh: laughing with delight at the mystery and power of God’s ways, laughing with remembrance of Sarah’s doubt, and laughing with joy at the presence of a baby boy.

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Sharing laughter with our family and friends is a great way to remember how God has worked in our lives. Spend some time with loved ones exchanging stories about the funny things your kids did when they were little. Have coffee with a friend and laugh together about the funny outfits you used to wear years ago. Share with your Sunday school class or Bible study group a way that God worked in your life that filled you with amazement and delight. Let’s laugh together as we rejoice in what God has done!

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