A Story of God and All of Us - By Roma Downey Page 0,9

be the mother of nations. Kings of peoples will come down from her."

Abraham laughs at the idea. He does not believe that Sarah can give birth.

But God insists, and says that a long line of earthly kings will be brought forth from this lineage.

The words settle on Abraham's heart, filling him with a joy he has never known. He cannot wait to tell Sarah. And even though it feels utterly impossible that a man his age can father a child, Abraham also reminds himself that God can do anything--even bring this child into the world.

Abraham turns to God to offer his thanks. But God has already gone.

One day not long after, Abraham is practicing the bow and arrow with his son. Ishmael is a good shot, and he hits the target with ease.

"Well done, my boy," Abraham says proudly. He calls to Sarah: "Did you see Ishmael, Sarah? Did you see my boy?"

" 'My boy.' Not ' our boy,' " she whispers disdainfully under her breath. The old lady storms off into the tent. Abraham sighs. He has gotten used to the constant tension.

"Run along, Ishmael," he tells the boy. Hagar is off to one side, watching the scene with a mother's pride. She is happy that her boy will be Abraham's rightful heir, and she cares little about the tension between herself and Sarah.

Abraham stops to pick up the arrows and sees three powerful and

mysterious men in the distance walking toward his camp. They wear robes made of fine fabric. On two of the men he can see the outlines of weapons beneath their garments, yet they do not appear menacing. Instead, they have the quietly intense presence of holy men. Abraham feels an instant connection with them, and as is his custom, he enjoys playing the part of the good host. Yet these men are somehow different,

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and he treats them with more respect. Travelers--mostly wanderers, wayfarers, vagabonds--pass through Abraham's camp all the time and receive only water and basic hospitality.

Abraham's instincts are correct. Two of the men are angels. The third is God disguised in flesh. Abraham has heard God's voice but does not recognize Him.

"Welcome," says Abraham. "You are most welcome. Please sit down." He indicates a spot where they can rest in the shade.

"Are you hungry?" he asks. Without waiting for an answer, Abraham orders a

servant to bring food.

"Have you traveled far?" Abraham continues.

"Yes, a very long way," answers one of the angels. A long silence ensues.

"Where is your wife?" asks the other angel.

Abraham points to their tent. "In there."

Inside the fabric walls of their tent, Sarah hears strange voices, but she is weary and in no mood to entertain travelers.

The Lord then speaks and makes an audacious prediction: "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son."

Sarah laughs to herself as she overhears this. Surely this man, whoever he is, does not know that Abraham's wife is very advanced in age and barren.

"Why did you laugh?" the Lord says to her.

Sarah almost jumps out of her skin. She whirls around to see who is speaking to her, but no one is in the tent. I didn't laugh , she thinks to herself.

"You did," the Lord says. His voice is kind. Once again, Sarah spins quickly to see who is playing this trick. But she is alone.

God continues: "So you will never forget how you doubted me when you have a son, you will name him Isaac, which means 'laughter.' "

Sarah feels the power of God and is overcome with hope. Tears stream down her face. She rushes to where she hides her fertility dolls, and 26

grasps one tightly in her hands until it crumbles to dust. As the grains of clay slip through her fingers, she falls to her knees and thanks God.

The time comes for the three strangers to leave. Abraham has treated them with extreme kindness and deference. He has brought them water to wash the road dust off their feet. He has cooked them a fatted calf and fed them a sumptuous meal featuring curds, milk, and thin loaves of bread. These powerful, mysterious strangers are special, and Abraham has reveled in the honor of their presence. He referred to himself as their servant, and even stood off to one side as they dined, waiting to be summoned. The men have maintained their air of mystery, saying little else after their audacious prediction, as they enjoyed the food and the cool of