Sarah

Scripture References: Genesis 11:29-31; 12:5-17; 16:1-8; 17:15-21; 18; 20:2-18; 21:1-12; 23:1-19; 24:36, 37; 25:10, 12; 49:31; Isaiah 51:2; Romans 4:19; 9:9; Hebrews 11:11; 1 Peter 3:6

Introduction

Sarah was Abraham’s wife. Originally she was called ‘Sarai’. Genesis 17:15 says, God changed her name to Sarah before the birth of her son. She was the first women mentioned in the Bible who got her name changed. She was childless until she was 90 years old, but the Lord had promised her that He will bless her and she shall become nations, kings shall come from her. She was a blessed women where the Lord visited her and fulfilled his promise to her. She bore a child – Isaac to Abraham at a very old age. She is commended by the new testament writers twice; one for her Faith in Hebrews 11:11 and for her Submission to her husband in 1 Peter 3:5,6.

Attributes of Sarah

Positives

Her Submissiveness

The rule of submission came into this world through the life of Eve and that rule of submitting to husband is beautifully showcased through the life of Sarah. Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 3:5-6, Sarah obeyed her husband and called him ‘Lord’. When we read about her we see that she abided by Abraham in every decision he took. In their early life, as they had to move to different cities not knowing where they are heading to, even in those situations Sarah didn’t question Abraham but was very truly submissive to him. Not only did she respect him outwardly but even inwardly in her heart she respected him.

2. Her Patience

Sarah waited for the Lord’s promise to be fulfilled in her life. As we know God fulfilled His promise in the life of Sarah at her ripe old age, patiently waiting till then is not easy. Yes, she doubted at times, she made her own plans but time and again God reminded her of His promise and gave her lot of patience to endure all the sufferings due to barrenness. In those days children were treated as a blessing from God. Many children you have the more blessed you are considered by others. God gave her immense patience to endure all these things.

3. Her Hospitality

In Genesis 18, when the Lord appeared to Abraham by the terebinth trees of Mamre, we see the great hospitality of Abraham and Sarah. How quickly they arranged everything for the visitors and prepared the best meal for them. They made sure that the Visitors feel comfortable and satiated.

Negatives

She doubted God’s promise

In Genesis 18:10, when the Lord said, ‘I will surely return to you about this time next year and Sarah your wife shall have a son’. Sarah who was listening to this laughed to herself.

2. She made her own plans

Though the promise of God was very clear, she thought of her present situation – her age, as she was advancing in her age she made her own plan of giving Hagar to Abraham and later she blamed Abraham for her mistake.

3. Her rude attitude towards Hagar

She treated Hagar very badly and spoke harsh to her and fled her to the wilderness.