Genesis 21:11 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son.
I will admit that today’s scripture makes me incredibly uncomfortable. Ishmael exists because Sarah and Abraham did not trust God–trust His plan, trust His timing. Now the 13 year old Ishmael, teenaged and moody, is scoffing at his infant half brother who is being celebrated as the chosen one while he, Ishmael, has always been treated as second class. The pain Ishmael must feel hurts my heart.
Genesis 21:12 But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.
And for God to tell Abraham to do exactly what Sarah says tells me that there’s got to be more going on here than I can understand. My God is not mean. He isn’t cruel. He doesn’t inflict pain just because He can. So there must be more going on here than meets the eye. Jesus, Help me understand.
Genesis 21:13 I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your offspring.”
Precious Savior, You know the compassionate heart You placed within me. Thank You. And thank You for the ability to read Your word and wonder what else is going on, what I am missing, what I’m not understanding. Help me to draw closer to You every day, with every breath and every word. Amen.
Genesis 21:14 Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the Desert of Beersheba.
Have a blessed day.