God gives lonely people a family. He sets prisoners free, and they go out singing. But those who refuse to obey him live in a land that is baked by the sun.
Those who used to be full have to work for food. But those who used to be hungry aren’t hungry anymore. The woman who couldn’t have children has seven of them now. But the woman who has had many children is sad now because hers have died.
“ Jerusalem, sing! You are now like a woman who never had a child. Burst into song! Shout for joy! You who have never had labor pains, you are now all alone. But you will have more children than a woman who still has a husband,” says the Lord.
It is written,“ Be glad, woman, you who have never had children. Shout for joy and cry out loud, you who have never had labor pains. The woman who is all alone has more children than the woman who has a husband.”( Isaiah 54:1)
Then God listened to Rachel. He showed concern for her. He made it possible for her to have children.She became pregnant and had a son. Then she said,“ God has taken away my shame.”
Abraham was 100 years old when his son Isaac was born to him.Sarah said,“ God has given laughter to me. Everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.”She also said,“ Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would breast- feed children? But I’ve had a son by him when he is old.”
But the angel said to him,“ Do not be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will have a child. It will be a boy, and you must call him John.He will be a joy and delight to you. His birth will make many people very glad.He will be important in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or other such drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.
