Genesis 21:8-10 NIVUK
8 The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. 9 But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, 10 and she said to Abraham, ‘Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.
On Sunday I wondered if this was less a case of Ishmael (Hagar’s son) mocking Sarah, than Sarah’s guilt making her feel ill at ease around him. Whether that is the case, or if Ishmael really is mocking her, we’re presented with the idea of a different type of laughter, not the laughter of joy and delight, but a sarcastic snear designed to bring down and belittle. One reflects God’s image, the other doesn’t.
Forgive us father for when we laugh at rather than with, when we subvert your gift that unites and brings life and make it one that divides and destroys.
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