Daily Devotions
Genesis
"Hear my prayer, O Lord, And give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, A sojourner, as all my fathers were." Psalm 39:12
Text: Genesis 21:1-34
A PROFOUND SOLUTION
Abraham couldn’t come up with an equitable solution to the problem that lay before him. On the one hand there was Sarah his wife and his long-awaited for son, Isaac. On the other hand, there was Hagar, his second wife and his son Ishmael! Sarah had demanded the dismissal of Hagar and Ishmael from the household. Hagar’s son was to be disinherited! He would have nothing from his father!
God’s solution was profound, to say the least! Only God could come up with an answer like that!
“But God said to Abraham, ‘Do not let it be displeasing
in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman.
Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice, for in Isaac
your seed shall be called. Yet, I will also make a nation of the son
of the bondwoman, because he is your seed.'”GENESIS 21:12-13
1. Trust God for the lives of Hagar and Ishmael
This was in essence what God was saying to Abraham. As a human being, with feelings as both husband and father, Abraham was deeply concerned about heeding Sarah’s demand! Who would look after Hagar and Ishmael if they were to be cast out empty-handed?
God was urging Abraham to entrust both Hagar and Ishmael into His hands! He would personally undertake for them! Would Abraham believe in the Lord concerning this matter?
2. The Promise to Make Ishmael a nation
God knew that Abraham wanted more than just survival for Ishmael. He wanted his firstborn to succeed in life too. God was willing to grant Abraham’s this unspoken wish from his heart. Yes, He would look after Ishmael and from him would come a nation as well.
What was God’s reason for wanting to do this for Ishmael? The reason was made quire clear. It was simply because Ishmael was Abraham’s seed. On the account alone, Ishmael would be blessed.
3. The line of Isaac
Sarah may have her own petty reason to desire the removal of her arch rival from the family. God too had His own plans. In His plan, Isaac would be the heir of Abraham. His lineage would be especially blessed.
Thus, Abraham was asked to heed the voice of Sarah, not because she was right with reference to the intentions and demands, but simply because her decision fitted into God’s plan!
What a wondrous solution God offered Abraham! Yes, his heart would grieve when he had to send Hagar and Ishmael away. But God would look after them!