TEXT: Genesis 21:6

SUBJECT: Jessica's Baptism

This is the Bible's first pun. Sarah is using the word "laugh" in two ways. Months before God made her laugh in unbelief by promising that she, a 90-year-old woman, would soon bear her first child. Now He has made her laugh again, this time for joy, at the birth of that child.

I wonder if anyone has ever used the verse as a text for a baptismal sermon? I doubt it; but for us it is perfect. I'll tell you why.

If you had told me seven years ago that I would baptize Jessica with the approval of her parents I would have laughed. Like Sarah, I would have laughed in unbelief. Why? Because the Rohrigs and I had a falling out. What it was about is irrelevant, but suffice it to say, the rift was pretty serious and lasted way too long.

Then something happened. It occurred to me that they were right and I was wrong. But what could I do now? One of two things: I could leave things as they were or I could repent. I preferred the former option . But the Lord, I knew, favored the latter.

I apologized to them as sincerely as I could, attributing the whole fault to myself and none--not even a hint of any--to them. They were very kind and told me I was forgiven. This was a breakthrough, but not the end of the story. For apologies are but preludes to repentance. Over the last several months I have tried to prove my sincerity and they have, it seems to me, been convinced of it.

How do I explain our reconciliation? I can only say: God was in it. He worked in me; He worked in them; He worked in us. He made the peace, and by His grace, He will keep it through this life and improve it in the life to come.

Thus today, at Jessica's baptism, "The Lord has made me to laugh". To laugh for joy. I can tell you: "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine".

Is there anyone with whom you've had a falling out? If so, remember this: "With God all things are possible". The gulf that separates you can be bridged; the wound that festers in your soul can be healed.

You have to do your part. Insofar as you are in the wrong, you must take the initiative to make things right. You must apologize for your wrongs and right them by repentance. Insofar as you are wronged, you must be willing to forgive on easy terms. When you do these things, "The LORD will make you laugh".