SARAH "Mother of the Nations"-- Genesis 17:16
John L. Kachelman, Jr. May 1999, Source: Jack Wilhelm, RSP, 1980

Introduction:
I. Today is the day our nation sets aside to pay honor to "mothers."
The word "mother" strikes an emotional chord in every heart. Even
those who live ungodly lives will have heart-tugs on this day. Some
one has said that if we really want to give mothers an appropriate
day for celebration & enjoyment, it should be the first day when
school resumes each Fall.

II. It is typical that on this day, across our nation, sermons will be
preached on mothers. Often preachers defeat their objective by
delivering a sermon pointed toward mothers. The lesson seeks to
present the ideal of mothering that is found in Scripture.

Unfortunately many mothers feel very far from the ideal. The
sermons are like the story of 2 cows in a pasture. They watch a
milk truck pass by w/signs painted: "Enriched w/vitamin D,"
"Homogenized!" "Pasteurized!" One cow looks at the other & says,
"Every time I see those signs, I feel very inadequate!"

Our purpose in this lesson is not to make the mothers feel
inadequate but to honor their role & applaud their service. Sermons
on this day often rehearse all the admirable qualities the ideal
mother should possess. This may leave the sincere mothers, who
are trying hard to measure up to the ideal but knowing they fall far
short, extremely depressed.

III. The godly mother Sarah offers a good lesson for study on this day.
The Bible identifies her as the "mother of nations." Examine this
lady and observe some practical lessons that comes from her life.

Body:
I. The background of this designation.

The great story of Sarah begins in Ur of Chaldees. Ur was an
idolatrous place. In this location God calls Abram and commands
him to leave (Gn 12:1-3). He leaves with his family accompanied
by Terah and Lot. This began a sage that was destined to change
the history of civilization. A sojourn in Egypt, departure of Lot, the
episode of Hagar and Ishmael filled the years as Sarah awaited the
fulfillment of the promised son.

Even though Sarah was 90 & Abraham was 100 they were assured
that God's promise would come true (Gn 17:16). The promise did
come true. God honored Sarah as the "mother of nations" (Gn
21:1-2). As such there are many lessons to discover.

II. The lessons discovered from the "Mother of nations."
A. Women have distinctive roles.
1. Sarah was distinct. She is the 1st woman portrayed in depth
in recorded Bible history (Gn 1-11). She was the mother of
the 1st recorded "miracle" birth. He is mentioned in Isaiah, Ro
(twice), Hb, & 1 Pt. She is the only woman in the Bible whose
age is recorded at death (127). She is the 1st woman whose
burial is recorded in the Bible. Sarah illustrates how impt a
woman is to Jehovah God's plans!

2. Other women have filled distinctive roles:
a. Esther (Esth 4:14)
b. Mary (Lk 1:28-33)
c. The women at the tomb (Mt 28:1-8)

3. The Bible is clear women occupy a wonderfully distinctive
place in God's plans! Women may not think their "greatness"
is equivalent to Sarah, Esther, Mary, or others, BUT they do
occupy a very vital place!
a. The young man who marries a young lady has selected
her to be the only mother his children will have. This
singular decision determines their looks, health, habits,
mannerisms, etc.
b. Women have a powerful impact on influencing others who
choose to go to heaven or hell. A study several years ago
revealed that children reared in a religiously divided home
saw that 75% of the children chose their mother's religion.
This illustrates the great impact of women!
c. There are no substitutes for the impact of women upon
the welfare/training of children.

4. Women have been created by God to fulfill a distinctive role
in life. Only she can do this. What a critical factor to
contemplate!

B. Beauty can be a problem or blessing.
1. Gn 12:11-20; 20:2, 11-12. Sarah was a beautiful woman. This
caused pblms for Abraham. Sarah was not necessarily vain
b/c of her beauty. In fact it is the beauty of her character that
overshadows the beauty of her physique.

2. The Bible does not prohibit a woman from accentuating her
physical appearance. The only command is that such be
done in modesty (1 Ti 2:9-10; 1 Pt 3:3-6). The Bible stresses
that women possess a beauty that is far more impt than
physical appearance. She is to develop the "hidden beauties
of her heart."

3. Tragically many women are exploited by commercialism of
physical beauty. Sometimes this is done through the
connivance of a silly mother who is trying to relive her life
thru her daughter.

4. Certainly one will want to look attractive, to look as if
they are concerned abt health and fitness, but one should never base
the personal value upon such.

C. Respect/consideration is due women.
1. Abraham did not treat Sarah right when he told her to lie
(Gn 12, 20). That placed her in danger & brought plagues upon
others. Sarah was an uncomplaining, cooperative, respectful
wife (1 Pt 3:6).

2. 1 Pt 3:7 Women deserve respect. The pblm is that they
often fail to act in a respectful manner. Some do not get
respect b/c they do not demand it & allow men to treat them
inconsiderately. Some women are treated w/such great
disrespect that they are actually objects of ABUSE (verbal &
physical).

3. Men, here are "10 Commandments Hoe To Treat Women"
a. Treat her w/gentleness & strength.
b. Give her ample praise/reassurance.
c. Clearly define responsibilities.
d. Avoid criticism.
e. Remember the importance of little things.
f. Recognize her need for togetherness.
g. Give her a sense of security.
h. Recognize the validity of her moods.
I. Cooperate w/her in every way.
j. Discover her unique needs & try to fill them.

4. Ep 5:25-29 A man who does not treat his wife w/respect is
a fool. He is hatful & abusive of himself (5:29).

D. Women must demonstrate faith in God.
1. Hb 11:11 Sarah is in the great "faith chap" of the Bible.
Her
faith was severely tested at times. At times she questioned
God & even doubted God's promises. She struggled
w/adversity. However the spoken promises of God meant a
great deal to her. Her faith actually sustained her in times of
turmoil.

2. Women today need to possess this same sense of great faith
(2 Ti 1:5). They must demonstrated faith in God & Christ &
commit their lives to the revealed will. They must have faith
in the Bible & not rationalize anything that is not taught. They
must have faith in the future (Pr 31:25,27,28).

Conclusion:
I. The world owes a great debt to "mothers." All women have a
wonderful opportunity to "mother" those around them. A mother
gives "life" not "birth" to children.

II. Sarah is described as the "mother of nations." As such she offers
us a great lesson. She illustrates the value and dignity that God
placed in women. Her life explains why women should be honored
and treated w/great consideration.

Let all thank God for those women who have practiced the virtues
of Sarah and have become responsible for giving "life" to others
searching for God's Truth.

Last modified: April 18, 2006