Topical Bible: Thankfulness: To God of Sarah

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Introduction

Thankfulness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and the account of Sarah, the wife of Abraham, provides a profound example of gratitude to God. Sarah's journey from barrenness to motherhood is marked by divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises, leading her to express deep thankfulness.

Biblical Narrative

Sarah, originally named Sarai, is introduced in the Book of Genesis as the wife of Abram (later Abraham). Her account is intertwined with God's covenant with Abraham, which includes the promise of numerous descendants. Despite her initial barrenness, Sarah's life is a testament to God's faithfulness and the power of His promises.

Promise and Fulfillment

In Genesis 17:15-16 , God changes Sarai's name to Sarah and promises Abraham that she will bear a son: "Then God said to Abraham, 'As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will become nations; kings of peoples will come from her.'"

Despite her advanced age, Sarah conceives and gives birth to Isaac, fulfilling God's promise. This miraculous event is a pivotal moment in biblical history, as Isaac becomes a key figure in the lineage of the Israelites.

Expression of Thankfulness

Sarah's thankfulness is evident in her response to the birth of Isaac. In Genesis 21:6-7 , Sarah declares, "God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me." Her laughter is not one of disbelief, as it was earlier when she first heard the promise (Genesis 18:12), but rather one of joy and gratitude for the fulfillment of God's word.

Sarah's expression of thankfulness is also reflected in the naming of her son, Isaac, which means "he laughs." This name serves as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness and the joy that His promises bring.

Theological Significance

Sarah's account highlights the importance of faith and patience in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances. Her thankfulness is rooted in the recognition of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about His promises in His perfect timing. Sarah's journey from doubt to gratitude serves as an encouragement for believers to trust in God's plan and to remain thankful for His blessings, even when they are not immediately apparent.

Legacy of Thankfulness

Sarah's thankfulness to God is a legacy that extends beyond her own life. Her account is a foundational part of the narrative of God's chosen people and is referenced in the New Testament as an example of faith. In Hebrews 11:11 , it is written, "By faith Sarah herself, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child because she considered Him faithful who had promised."

Sarah's thankfulness and faith are integral to understanding the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His promises. Her life encourages believers to cultivate a heart of gratitude, trusting in God's timing and His unwavering commitment to His word.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 21:6,7
And Sarah said, God has made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Petulant Wish
... Sarah shall have a child, and from him shall come the blessings that have been
foretold.' And what does Abraham do? Fall down in thankfulness before God? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a petulant wish.htm

"Jesus Says So. "
... the 103d Psalm was read to her, with some remarks on David's causes of thankfulness.
It was remarked, "You, too, Sarah, have many things to bless God for; for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/jesus says so/jesus says so.htm

Jacob, a Prince of God.
... went on his way into Canaan full of joy and thankfulness. ... was born to Rachel, and
there too God sent for ... in the cave that Abraham bought when Sarah died, and ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter v jacob a prince.htm

Household Salvation
... is the God of Abraham becomes the God of Sarah, and then ... Ah, never mind, they rejoiced
in God. ... to have a Savior is such a source of thankfulness to believing ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/household salvation.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1800, to the End of ...
... She lived a woman of the world until the death of her first and only daughter, Sarah
Asbury; how ... I am now often drawn out in thankfulness to God, who hath ...
/.../chapter 5 from the close.htm

Life in India.
... me seriously at last what I thought, 'Was idol worship true or false?' I felt it
a matter of thankfulness that I could make known the truth of God though a ...
/.../rhea/life of henry martyn missionary to india and persia/life in india.htm

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ...
... covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear ... 2. This being so, if
God had here stept in ... needless, and so had not obtained thankfulness; or else ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/reprobation asserted or the doctrine.htm

A Prospect of Revival
... Think of Abraham and Sarah, childless till they were ... a great king have cause for
thankfulness, but the ... Kings should rejoice continually in the God that chose ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a prospect of revival.htm

Rom. xvi. 5
... If, for instance, you were shown why Abraham was so called, why Sarah, why Israel,
why ... They show at once God's benefits and women's thankfulness. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxi rom xvi 5.htm

Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren.
... but because he had borne his poverty with thankfulness. ... she herself barren, but also
his mother Sarah, who had ... living in virtue, all were witnessed to by God. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/against publishing the errors of.htm