Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 18:9-15.
“9 Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” 10 He said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sarah was past childbearing. 12 Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” 13 And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?’ 14 Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” 15 Sarah denied it however, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh.” Genesis 18:9-15.
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“‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You, who shows lovingkindness to thousands, but repays the iniquity of fathers into the bosom of their children after them, O great and mighty God. The Lord of hosts is His name; great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, giving to everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds; who has set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day. You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and with wonders, and with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm and with great terror; and gave them this land, which You swore to their forefathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey.” Jeremiah 32:17-22.
Our LORD’s awesome lovingkindness sometimes provokes quiet respect (fear) of the LORD, but our LORD’s awesome lovingkindness may at other times provoke the laughter of amazement and delight. Abraham and Sarah both laughed at the awesome lovingkindness of our LORD. Both fear and laughter are appropriate reactions.
“Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” Verse 12.
“Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” Genesis 17:17
“Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” Genesis 21:6
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter And your lips with shouting.” Job 8:21
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2
“A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:4
“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.” Luke 6:21
“The Lord favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness.” Psalm 147:11
“Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; And let them say continually, “The Lord be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.” Psalm 35:27
“They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.” Psalm 36:8
“Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
“But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.” Psalm 37:11
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 