Genesis 18:5-10a

“They said to him, ‘Where is your wife Sarah?’ And he said, ‘There, in the tent.’ Then one said, ‘I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.’” vss. 9-10a

Sarah wasn’t consulted when Abraham invited the three strangers to have a bite to eat in the shadow of the oak trees. It was all on him, but when he decided to serve some cakes, it was all on her. He ordered three of her finest, and set her to work on it. And when the meal was served he stood nearby to receive their thanks and glory–sort of the natural thing for a man to do. But the visitors really hadn’t come to see him, they’d come with a message for Sarah. In her old and shriveled state she was going to have a son! This was the first of those key stories in scripture about children of promise, and always there some sort of obstacle. Hannah, Sarah, and Elizabeth were all too old, and Mary was too young. The people of God have loved these stories and held them close–in them there is a message of hope, and the assurance that the women of God have a key role in the transmission of the good news. And it’s not just that they became mothers! These women were people of faith, and against great cultural odds managed to be remembered. And it’s still happening! Not only are they having children, now they’re leading congregations. Truly it can be said, “You’ve come a long way, Baby!”

Thought for the Day: My favorite biblical woman.