January 10: The First Sunday after the Epiphany
The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.” –Genesis 18:13-15
The Hebrew word often translated “hard” or “difficult” is means “wonderful” or “marvelous”. This helps us understand that Lord is not asking Abraham if there’s something the Lord can’t do. Most of us believe there’s nothing the Lord can’t do. But what he’s asking Abraham is if there is anything so good, that the Lord won’t do it. Is anything to wonderful, is anything too marvelous for the Lord?
That is the question we should ask ourselves all the time. That’s a great question for discussions for everywhere from the dinner table to the hospital room to the sleepless night. It’s a wonderful antidote to the skepticism and doubt the world, the flesh, the devil, and our own accusing consciences use to plague us. After all, for Sarah, the One who knows her thoughts can surely open her womb!
The fear for us often arises because of our sin. Yes, we know God can do wonderful and marvelous things for us. And we might even agree that he would be willing if we weren’t so sinful. But the promise to Sarah and Abraham is the same as the promise to Adam and Eve, Hannah and Elkanah, and Mary and Joseph: there is the promised baby who would come and crush the serpent’s head once and for all. This Deliverer would make us righteous and keep the law that we might become the sons and daughters of a God for whom nothing is too wonderful or marvelous for his children.
And that’s the gospel. Come hear it preached and enacted in the supper with Jesus this Sunday.
The related hymns we’ll sing are:
Come, Thou Almighty King
In Christ Alone
How Firm a Foundation
Sunday school for children (in Genesis) and adults (on Reformed theology) is up and running! Coffee and other treats are served at 9:15, teaching begins at 9:30, and we break to get ready for worship at 10:15.
Visitors are always welcome!