Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Call to be the Mother of the Savior of the World
Genesis 18: 1-18
“Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Genesis 18:14
Devotional Text
Today’s devotional passage shines a light on Abraham’s wife, Sarah. Sarah was advanced in age and barren at the time of Genesis 18. She had given up all hope of carrying a baby in her womb. It was a stigma to be a barren woman, especially in the Middle Eastern culture of the time. Under such depressing and painful circumstances, three angels visited Abraham and Sarah. They gave encouraging news which foretold of Sarah giving birth to a son in a year. Initially, she did not believe as she was focused on her aging body rather than the promises of God. The question, “‘is anything too hard for the Lord?’”, sunk deep into her mind. She realized that nothing is impossible with God. She held onto His promise with renewed hope. She was blessed with a pregnancy when she had given up on the hope of having a son. She mentally and emotionally made herself ready for the miraculous birth of her promised son, Isaac. It was through Isaac that a new nation was born, and through that nation, God sent the Savior into this world.
That miraculous birth in Genesis bears many parallels to another miraculous childbirth. The Angel Gabriel appeared to the unmarried, virgin Mary and gave her the message of God’s favor upon her. It was there that the plan for her to be mother to the Son of God was unveiled. Despite unfavorable circumstances that could have brought great shame upon her, being treated as an outcast by society or even the possibility of being stoned to death, she said yes to her calling. Mary believed in God’s plan for her life and was committed to her calling to be the mother of the Savior. She was willing to bring the Messiah into the world. In response to this message, she sang a song of praise to God.
Both barren Sarah and Virgin Mary were unique and had miraculous paths to motherhood. Sarah gave birth to her first born son whose lineage would eventually culminate in Messiah’s entry into the world. Mary gave birth to her first born Son, who changed the entire course of human history. He bought us the gift of salvation.
Today’s devotional passage shines a light on Abraham’s wife, Sarah. Sarah was advanced in age and barren at the time of Genesis 18. She had given up all hope of carrying a baby in her womb. It was a stigma to be a barren woman, especially in the Middle Eastern culture of the time. Under such depressing and painful circumstances, three angels visited Abraham and Sarah. They gave encouraging news which foretold of Sarah giving birth to a son in a year. Initially, she did not believe as she was focused on her aging body rather than the promises of God. The question, “‘is anything too hard for the Lord?’”, sunk deep into her mind. She realized that nothing is impossible with God. She held onto His promise with renewed hope. She was blessed with a pregnancy when she had given up on the hope of having a son. She mentally and emotionally made herself ready for the miraculous birth of her promised son, Isaac. It was through Isaac that a new nation was born, and through that nation, God sent the Savior into this world.
That miraculous birth in Genesis bears many parallels to another miraculous childbirth. The Angel Gabriel appeared to the unmarried, virgin Mary and gave her the message of God’s favor upon her. It was there that the plan for her to be mother to the Son of God was unveiled. Despite unfavorable circumstances that could have brought great shame upon her, being treated as an outcast by society or even the possibility of being stoned to death, she said yes to her calling. Mary believed in God’s plan for her life and was committed to her calling to be the mother of the Savior. She was willing to bring the Messiah into the world. In response to this message, she sang a song of praise to God.
Both barren Sarah and Virgin Mary were unique and had miraculous paths to motherhood. Sarah gave birth to her first born son whose lineage would eventually culminate in Messiah’s entry into the world. Mary gave birth to her first born Son, who changed the entire course of human history. He bought us the gift of salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, enable each of us to fulfill our calling for our lives. The One who has called us is faithful and will work through us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17
Saramma Chacko
Epiphany MTC, NY