.jpg)
Song: Walk Beside Me
Scripture: Genesis 21:1-34
The Lord took note of Sarah. In her old age she conceived and bore a son to Abraham. The child is a testimony to God’s power to raise life from the dead—in this case the deadness of Sarah’s womb. And Isaac is proof that God keeps His promise no matter how incredulous it seems.
The Lord looked out for Hagar. Sarah spied Hagar’s son, Ishmael “making faces” on the day that Isaac was weaned. Sent out from Abraham’s house, Hagar despaired for her life and for that of her son, now at least 17 years old. God’s care for her is proof of His compassion for those who suffer unjustly. And it’s proof of His patience with people, like Sarah (and us), whose imperfect faith created predicaments like the exile of Hagar and Ishmael.
The Lord watched over Abraham. God had promised to “make your name great,” to “bless those who bless you,” and “curse those who curse you.” Abimelech’s visit shows that God’s promise was already seeing fulfillment. “God is with you in all that you do,” he said. The king’s servants had unjustly seized one of Abraham’s wells. Abraham prospered in spite of the injustice and now the king sought an alliance. Two principles are taught “Do not return evil for evil” and “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” God’s All-Seeing Eye will see to it.
Jason Moore
