Read Genesis 17:1-8, 15-21
Discover
1. What promises does God reiterate in these verses?
2. How does Abraham react?
3. How does God correct Abraham’s assumptions?
Respond
This is the third time God repeats His blessing to Abram, and at this point, Abram is getting too old for biological fatherhood. Yet God reminds Abram of His power, faithfulness, presence, and promises. By changing Abram’s and Sarai’s names, God affirms and stamps His call on their lives. His promises are about to be fulfilled in a miraculous way.
While biblical scholars debate the cause of Abraham’s response of laughter, God responds by patiently laying out His promise in more detail than previously. Sarah will be the mother, and God's covenant will be confirmed with Isaac.
These verses are a reminder that no matter how long we’ve waited for a promise to come true, God deeply cares about us. He calls us to a new identity, He loves us patiently, and He has every detail covered. Spend some time thanking Him now. Thank Him for being a God who sees, cares, and calls you by name. Then reaffirm your trust in Him.
Want to go deeper? Read this article for a case to be made on why Abraham’s laughter was borne from joy and its implications for your own faith.
*TPCC does not necessary endorse all “Want to go deeper” sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.