February 14: The Last Sunday after Epiphany (Transfiguration Sunday)
And the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing. –Genesis 21:8,9
Isaac made it to a few years old and they had a party. After all, the promised son was here! But imagine: Ishmael is now a young teenager, perhaps 14 years old. He probably knew about the promised child, but with dad’s last hundredth birthday party, I would imagine that he felt it was pretty safe the assume he’d take it all.
But then…curses…the kid was not only born, but made it through the riskiest years and now they are having a party. I think he might have had the same look on his face that the older son who stayed home had when the prodigal son returned to great celebration. This is the way it is with those who take confidence in their position, power, or piety. There are so many subtle little ways we revel in ourselves rather than in the Promised Son.
And make no mistake, this son only points us to the True Son, Jesus Christ. That’s what the Apostle Paul said in Galatians 3:16, “Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.”
Strong Ishmael was laughing not merely at the weak little boy Isaac that he could see, but at the Son Jesus Christ, the Savior of weak law breakers who have faith in him. And for those who have faith in him—faith that he is the law keeper for us—we know to celebrate his perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. As Mr. Newton said, “Let the world deride or pity; I will glory in Thy name!”
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:
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
It is Well with My Soul
May the Mind of Christ, My Savior
Sunday school for children (in Genesis) and adults (in Galatians) 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!