Do not despise small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10)
When Ishmael saw Isaac, he scoffed. Not a good response to becoming an older brother. Sarah saw it and could not accept it in her household. The consequences of Ishmael’s attitude were quite harsh…
Preparing the Bride for GOD’s Story
How do we prepare as the Bride of Christ? One aspect is to learn GOD’S STORY. He created us in His image…. Piece by piece, and peace by peace, we learn to walk as He has walked. And we learn His perspective.
Genesis 21:9-14a
“And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing. Therefore she said to Abraham, “Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac.” And the matter was very displeasing in Abraham’s sight because of his son.
“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.”
“So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and [f]a skin of water; and putting it on her shoulder, he gave it and the boy to Hagar, and sent her away.”
Had Sarah had enough?
At Sarah’s happiest moment, as her own young son began life, she caught Ishmael with a bad attitude and would not tolerate it.
I wonder, how would I feel if, when I gave birth to my son, my step daughter had responded negatively? Praise the LORD, she was delighted for us, and would become an excellent big sister. But from Sarah’s perspective, she’d encouraged the arrival of Ishmael. Then Hagar was mocking to Sarah who had to put up with it for 14 years. I would imagine there would be a lot of pent up frustration for Sarah’s own barrenness, and a lot of hostility between the women. So, when Ishmael was dismissive of Isaac’s arrival, it could have been the last straw!
But I am merely speculating.
What we do know for certain is what the text says: Sarah tells Abraham to get rid of the bondwoman and her son. Of course, Ishmael is also Abraham’s son and so this is hard for him. But GOD encourages him to do as Sarah asks. And he does. It is helpful to Abraham, that GOD promises that from Ishmael will rise a great nation.
Assured of Ishmael’s survival, Abraham yields.
Inner turmoil
What turmoil Sarah’s initial idea to give Hagar to Abraham ultimately brought on the family.
What pain the separation of father and son must have been.
What confusion has been brought into the world through the two warring nations of the Arabs and the Jews, which began with Ishmael and Isaac.
And yet, what love GOD bestows upon each of these people at this time.
Family feuds
When families quarrel it creates such havoc, such pain, such turmoil and bitterness.
Let us pray that families can live in peace, that Arabs and Jews can live in peace, that the world can live in peace.