Genesis 21 | Greg Opean
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Greg Opean
Genesis 21 shows God keeping His promise at His set time: Isaac is born to a 100-year-old Abraham and 90-year-old Sarah, turning their earlier laughter of unbelief into joy. God marks Isaac—not Ishmael—as the covenant line through which He will bring blessing to the world, yet He still hears Hagar and Ishmael, provides for them, and promises to make Ishmael a great nation. Sarah insists Ishmael depart after he mocks Isaac, and God confirms this hard step to protect the promise. Later, Abraham secures a well at Beersheba, makes peace with Abimelech, and calls on “the Everlasting God.” We learn from this that God’s promises stand despite our delays and detours; He often waits until things look impossible so He alone gets the glory. Trust His timing, stop “helping” Him with fleshly shortcuts, and rest in the joy and security of His faithful covenant love.