Genesis 18:11 – “Sarah Laughed” – Finding Hope

The story in the Old Testament of how Abraham and Sarah discover that she is pregnant is a fascinating one that combines, strangers and hospitality and tents. Yet it has always been that verse about Sarah that I have been intrigued by. As she overhears the visitors talking about her being able to have a child, she “laughed to herself”. Its an easy scene to imagine – Sarah in her tent chuckling away at the foolishness of such chatter, gently shaking her head in disbelief at the ridiculous idea that she would be able to have a child after so many years of wanting one. Yet in that laughter, there would also have been a deep sadness I suspect. A hope and dream that had long ago been put down and shut away.

In Genesis several chapters later Sarah gives birth to Issac – a name which means “laughter”. The hope that had been locked up in a cupboard, that was seemingly gone, was realised. The story can be interpreted in different ways and much can be taken from it. Yet for me it is a reminder that what I think might not be possible, is not necessarily what God thinks is finished and done with. In that way Christians always live with a flicker of hope, however dimmed at times, but it is there because our stories tell us that at different moments in time God has already done what we thought impossible.

 

Services this weekend – Sunday 18^th June 2023

10.00 – Sung Holy Communion – St Marys

10.30 – Sung Holy Communion – All Saints

7.15pm – Generations – All Saints

 

THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday 21st June 9.00am – Celtic Morning Prayer – All Saints

Thursday 22nd June 10am Holy Communion– St Marys

19.00 – PCC DV Training at All Saints

Saturday 24th June 12.00 – 2pm –Saturday Lunches – St Marys

Sunday 25th June 08.00 – Holy Communion – All Saints

10.00 Sung Holy Communion– St Marys

10.30 – Café Church – All Saints

 A prayer for your week

BECOMING GOOD GROUND

As the rain and sun come down from the heavens making the earth to grow, so may your Word not return to you empty, bit embed itself in the soil of my silence. May I discover what makes for peace, whatever my language, and know your blessing, on which our peace depends.

Tess Ward

 

Blessings Revd Lizzie