Daily Devotions
Genesis
"The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way." Psalm 25:9
Text: Genesis 16:1-16
THE IDENTITY OF THE ANGEL OF THE LORD
This is the first mention of “an angel” in the Book of Genesis. The word “angel” simply means “messenger”. In that the angel brings a special message or word from God, he may indeed be called “a messenger”. However, this particular Angel was somehow different!
“The Angel of the Lord said to her, ‘Return to your mistress,
and submit yourself under her hand.’
Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, ‘I will multiply
your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted
for multitude.'”GENESIS 16:9-10
1. This Angel knew all about her!
He called her by name, “Hagar”. He knew that she was Sarai’s maid! He knew exactly why she fled! He even knew that she was not free from blame. Her gloating over her good fortune to be the second wife of Abram, and the fact she was pregnant made her despise Sarai! In order to despise someone, you would have to feel that you are in an elevated position first! She had contributed to the ugly family situation that was brewing in the household of Abram!
2. The Promise of the Angel of the Lord
The language this Angel of the Lord used was similar to the way God promised that He would bless Abraham? No angel had that authority in himself to speak in this manner! He would have to preface his statement by declaring that his authority came from God. But not This Angel!
In theological language, we have here an instance of the appearance of the Pre-incarnate Christ! This Angel of the Lord was none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, before His incarnation on earth!
Only One who was Divine would have the right and authority to speak as He did! He spoke with the same kind of power and authority as He who is called “Possessor of heaven and earth”.
A GENTLE WORD OF ADVICE
The alternative that Hagar had chosen was a wrong and foolish one! How would she survive in the wilderness? Yes, there were springs of water where she was, but you could not survive on water alone! Who would look after her and her child after she gave birth? Who would protect her and provide for her?
Hagar’s maternal instinct knew that the Angel of the Lord was right! She had to return to Abram’s household. She must learn how to endure her plight. Yes, she could do with more lessons about being “submissive”. She had become proud and haughty after her marriage. Her pregnancy made her even prouder! All that had to be changed! And what was that word of blessing the Angel of the Lord uttered? She would have many descendants as well? Yes, she must heed the word of this Angel and return home.