Genesis 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.
One thing I notice about verse 20 is that God does choose to bless Ishmael, though not as the “son of promise,” even though Ishmael exists because Sarai and Abram became impatient in their waiting. Please know that that is in no way a slam. I understand the pain and heartache of waiting, I get why they did what they did. I love that God chooses to bless Ishmael, too, even though Ishmael was not part of His divine plan.
Genesis 17:21 But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.”
One thing I notice about verse 21 is that the wait for a child of their own to fill their arms is still not over. I think we are at 14 years since the actual promise of descendants to outnumber the stars? When you want so deeply to hold a child of your own in your arms, a week, a month, a year can feel like an eternity, but 14 years? And there’s still another year for them to wait?
Genesis 17:22 When he had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him.
Precious Savior, You are sovereign, gracious, and compassionate. Thank You. I don’t think it’s random that today’s verses show both Your compassion and Your promises that may take time. You love us. You have compassion on us when we struggle, even when the struggle is with Your timing. Help us never to forget that. Help us to shine Your light. Always. Amen.
Genesis 17:23 On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him.
Have a blessed day.