Genesis 21 - A promise so crazy they could only laugh

Today we’re reading Genesis 21 from the New Living Translation.R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEDITATE-PRAY)READ: Here are some things that stood out to me. The LORD kept his word (vs 1).The promise was kept at just the time God said it would (vs 2).Abraham circumcised Isaac in accordance with the terms of the covenant from chapter 17 (vs 4). Obedience in the details matters.Abraham was 100 years old (vs 5). There would be no mistake who gets the glory for this! This was a miracle that caused joyful laughter (vs 6-7).The dynamics between Hagar and Sarah were not good (vs 8-10).Abraham viewed Ishmael as his son (vs 11).God made a special promise to Abraham about Ishmael (vs 12-13).God saw Hagar and heard Ishmael crying (vs 15-20)God was with Ishmael (vs 20). In Genesis 12, God made a promise to Abraham at the age of 75 that he would give him land, that he would make him a great nation (children), and that all nations of the earth would be blessed through him. These promises were repeated at various times in Abraham’s life - see Genesis 15, 17, 18. In this chapter, 25 years later - Abraham finally sees the fulfillment of the promise about children. It was a promise so crazy to believe that it caused joyful laughter! But… there was a moment several years prior where Abraham and Sarah tried to help God fulfill the promise - this resulted in a whole lot of heartbreak for Hagar and Ishmael. God never forgot about either of them. He made a special promise to Abraham and Hagar about Ishmael also becoming a great nation - see Genesis 16, 17, 21. APPLY:A couple things strike me. Every promise in the Bible will prove true. Are you and I living like we believe that? One more thing - I’m moved by the detail that “God heard the boy crying.” Maybe you’re sad about something today. God cares about the details.MEDITATE: Take some time to read and think about Hebrews 11:11-16. PRAY: Jesus thank you for being true to your Word & thank you for keeping your promises!What's your application? Today is your “On Ramp!”Shawn.Ps -This podcast is sponsored by the New Living Translation from Tyndale House Publishers. Click the link to find out more.