The Promise Fulfilled

  "The Lord dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as he had promised" (Gen 21:1). 
  After all the travail of having the initial promise of a son for Abraham, the waiting, the birth of Ishmael by Hagar, Hagar running away and coming back, more waiting, God speaking to Abraham again and sending the three visitors so that Sarah could hear the promise again, we have a simple sentence.  God did as he said he would.
  Abraham and Sarah rejoiced as Abraham named their son Isaac (he laughs).  Sarah exclaimed, "God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.  Who would ever have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children?  Yet I have borne him a son in his old age."
  God did as he said he would.  It is true for us too.  All that God has promised us will happen in due time.  This week we celebrate the fulfillment of another of the promises of God - that he would send a Savior who would set us free from the laws of sin and death.  God did as he said he would.
  For reflection:  How are we keeping the promises of God alive in our hearts?  What promises has God already fulfilled in my life?
  Let us pray. Lord God, you are not only one who makes promises but one who keeps them.  Thank you for the promises you have made to me, the promises already kept and the promises I know will be fulfilled because you made them.  Holy is your name.

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