TGIF
“They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.”The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him.Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah.
So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?”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 18:9–15 ESV)
So…T got me one of those new interactive home speakers for Christmas.
An Echo Dot.
I talk to it and it either talks back or does what I ask it to do, if possible.
It can pick my voice out of other background voices and ambient noise.
It will tell me what the weather will be, read to me, play music for me, play Jeopardy with me, then play soothing sounds for me to fall asleep to.
It’s pretty cool.
It’s also kind of scary.
It’s always listening.
From now on I will only communicate my political opinions by writing and sign language in it’s presence…
If I was a prophecy wonk, I’d combine this speaker with Apple’s face recognition and have a best selling book about technology and the Rapture…
I digress…
According to the Bible passage above, my Echo Dot isn’t the only entity always listening for my voice.
God is always listening as well.
He’s listening to our thoughts as well as our voices.
We shudder at the possibility…our thoughts and speech are often less than holy.
This betrays a wrong view of God…He’s listening in order to bless us, not curse us.
God used Sarah’s silent laughter as a witness to her that He not only hears everything, He can do anything.
God hasn’t changed.
He’s always listening.
He can still do anything.
What’s He hearing from you?
Make your own application…
My question is, why did Sarah laugh? At her age that prediction should have scared her to death? … always wondered at her reaction…. She sounds like a game, brave lady – Abraham was blessed…
After that rabbit trail, if we really think on it, the fact that God knows our thoughts should be one of our blessings when combined with the other things He has revealed to us….
A good Friday ponder – thank you
Thanks, Em…
John 20:29…maybe, just maybe, (blush) she laughed at the idea of having ‘pleasure” (sex!) at her old age. hahahahahhaa TMI, I guess.
Good word, as always Michael…and yes, indeed…. God knows our thoughts and hearts,, and all those things I/we don’t actually say outloud (eeks)…. Love your perspective that He desires to bless us…. I’m so used to thinking He is ready to strike or look with disgust…
Blessings to you.
Paige,
Thank you…and much love to you.
God didn’t strike down Sarah…He brought a miracle,
We’ve heard too much bad preaching… 🙂
Much better ponder here than open blog’s pumping gas thread… She says with a modicum of guilt
Paige, you might be right… ?
I heard a REALLY great message on Wednesday night from Robbie Winkler from Crossroads… One of the things he said was “I believe God is good natured”. Love that. Has stuck in my head for days, alone with numerous other things he said from Joshua ch 6.
John 20:29… the more I think about my answer, the more I like it. Ha! We churchified frozen chosen might need to loosen up a bit. hahahahahahaha Not take stuff so danged seriously… I suspect there was more than one Miracle involved in the birth of Issac. 🙂
Also, Michael, please pray for me. I have –ahem– decided to host/teach/lead a women’s home Bible study group. … After 19 years since being tarred, feathered and immolated. ..and by the Grace of God, lived to tell about His Goodness… I am hoping I am not completely off my rocker and asking to be struck with lightning.
Paige,
You’re in my prayers and I think it’s a grand idea…
Paige,
Sounds like a great opportunity!
I don’t think lightening, but with the Father’s grace, perhaps thunder. For some reason, your #7 got me pondering Psalm 29. 🙂
Good contemplation Jean, #9. I am planning to read a Psalms with the group of women each week….
Glory to God who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we could ask or imagine.
(as long as I’m not stepping on His toes as we ‘dance’)