And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him—whom Sarah bore to him—Isaac. (Gen 21,3) Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. (Ga 4,28)

The name Isaac comes from the Hebrew "yitzchak" and means "he will laugh, be merry". Last time we talked about Sarah's incentive to laugh with her because she had reached the joyful end of her waiting - at a time when she was already completely doubting, indeed, de facto writing off the possibility. Whenever someone now called out to little Isaac as he ran between the tents of the caravan, he was reminded of this joy of God, who does the impossible.

The true religion is that which came from heaven, which was not invented by man - it is the religion of the miracle, the new birth from above. Here God himself acts, and often in spite of our possibilities and abilities. The miracle is what sets us free, it is something we cannot do, something we can never accomplish, something we have no control over, nor can anyone ask us to do. Only God can do it, and we watch in amazement. That's why there's a place for "Isaac" - laughter. In contrast, man-made religions become a burden, a moral law resting heavily on human shoulders that must be faithfully carried out, so that we may one day hopefully reach acceptance. Man does not particularly like to laugh at this, so he secretly seeks his pleasures elsewhere if he manages to escape from these shackles into another world, at least for a time. Such religion does not fill anyone with real joy, it is rather a shadow on the soul. That is why so many religious people are outwardly faithful but inwardly gloomy and not very happy. One person observed that a well-known Reformer, who was often portrayed during his lifetime, does not smile in a single portrait. After all, he had such a serious task to perform!

Yet how differently does Scripture speak of those who have come to know Christ, "Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise." We also are sons of Abraham - and therefore bear the mark of Isaac, of laughter. It is certainly not the only thing that characterizes us. But as sons of the heavenly birth, followers of the true Isaac, Christ, we too bear the seal of joy. Unless, of course, we have fallen into the oppressive bondage of the law.