Bible Studies
Genesis 21:8-21 - Too Human
Key Verses: (NIV)
- 8-10: "…and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. 9But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, 10and she said to Abraham, 'Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.'" - Sarah, just a few short years earlier, had been willing to do anything to insure that Abraham would have a son. But now, jealousy has replaced servanthood.
- 12: "But God said to him, 'Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." - Even though she seems harsh and unsympathetic, God advises Abraham to listen to Sarah and do as she asks.
- 14: "Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water…and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the desert…" - Just as Abraham will later follow God's instructions to the sacrificial altar with Isaac, he listens to God and faithfully sends his son, Ishmael, off into the wilderness where he is most certain to perish.
- 17-18: "God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid' God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. 18Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.'" - Once again God reveals His love and faithfulness to His followers by dispelling their fears and pouring a bounty of blessings into their lives.
- Is your life a "soap-opera?"
Promises of the Gospel:
Frequently it seems that our lives more closely follow the script of a Hollywood soap opera then the path of holiness we think we should be following. Our failings and sins create improbable scenarios. In our lives we walk through a mind-field of failed promises, selfish intent, diabolical intrigue, and moral decay. We are our own worst enemies. On top of that, we frequently find we do not fit into society. We are always "too - something." Too tall, too short, too male, too female, too rich, too poor, too loud, too quiet…the list of "toos" can become so long that our hearts begin to fill with fear and worry. The lives of Sarah and Hagar reveal to us that it is okay be "too" human. In spite of our failings, shortcomings, and sinfulness, God still loves us and He will continue to bless us. No matter who we are or how we act, we are blessed to be a blessing in this too-human world. Have no fear, God is near.
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I truly believe that the Lord uses the "least likely" in the most wondrous of ways because He gets the greater glory from it. Very encouraging!
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