The Birth of Isaac

Twenty-five years had passed since God first promised Abraham a son. Twenty-five years of waiting, hoping, doubting, and trusting again. Abraham was now one hundred years old. Sarah was ninety. By any human standard, having children was impossible.

But the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and did for her what He had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had told him.

Abraham named his son Isaac, meaning 'he laughs.' Sarah had laughed in disbelief when she first heard the promise, and Abraham had laughed in wonder. Now their laughter turned to pure joy.

'God has brought me laughter,' Sarah declared, 'and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.' She added in amazement, 'Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.'

The impossible had happened. The barren woman held a baby. The ancient man became a father. The promise that had seemed so long delayed was at last fulfilled.

Isaac was more than just a beloved child. He was the continuation of God's covenant, the next link in the chain that would eventually lead to the Messiah. Through this miracle baby, all the nations of the earth would be blessed.

Abraham circumcised Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded. The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast in celebration. The God who had called him from Ur had proven faithful. Nothing is impossible with Him.