Genesis 21: 8-21v 20 “And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness.”
Words that stood out
When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion. But Sarah saw Ishmael- the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar- making fun of her son, Isaac. She demanded of Abraham” Get rid of that slave woman and her son.” So, Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar’s shoulders. Then he sent her away. When the water was gone, she put the boy in the shade of a bush. Then she went and sat done by herself. She burst into tears. God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven. God has heard the boy crying. Go to him. I will make a great nation from his descendants. Then God opened Hagar’s eyes and she saw a well full of water. And God was with the boy as he grew up. His mother arranged for him to marry a women from Egypt.
Reflection
Relationships are difficult and we see again Hagar and Sarah at odds. First, Hagar was disrespectful to Sarah when she was pregnant, then Sarah treated her badly so she ran away. God sent an angel and Hagar returned to the house of Abraham. On this occasion, Sarah’s insecurities and Hagar and Ishmael making fun of Isaac caused Sarah to ask Abraham to solve the problem by sending Hagar away. Hagar was sent away and ended up in tears as did her son, but God responded to her and life continued for both of them. When relationships are strained God has a plan to make things better. Listen for God’s angel to direct your path and things will turn out for the best.
Prayer
Heavenly Father who responds to our tears, help us to follow when your angels talk to us even if we are sent away. Amen.
CrossWalk 