Human Response 40: Laugh in Disbelief

Genesis 17:17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

The Lord had appeared to Abraham again and promised to bless Sarah and give her a son, and many descendants. His response was to laugh in unbelief in God’s face. This response is understandable, since God’s word here is preposterous: Abraham is 100 and Sarah is 90. It can’t be possible!

Abraham did not laugh because it was funny, although there is humor in it. Abraham said, ”Surely, you jest!” He laughed in unbelief, and even mockery. It’s as if he is charging God with lying. He fell on his face, not in worship, but more likely doubled over in laughter.

He had such a relationship with the Lord that he could question God. We all must admit to having doubts and questions. But it is necessary that we work through the natural doubts in order to come to a stronger faith. It is better to be honest with God and struggle with His Word than to ignore both our own doubts and God’s sure word. Honesty will bring us to the place where we say, ”God said it; I believe it!” After we work through the initial questioning reaction, we believe, like Thomas.