Wednesday June 21st, 2017 Genesis 21:8-21
And God heard the voice of the boy; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, "What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid; for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is." (verse 17)
When Abraham and Sarah’s miracle child finally arrives, everyone is happy-except for Sarah. Sarah would rather forget the sad years she spent waiting to become a mother. Now that God’s promise has come to pass, Sarah doesn’t want to be reminded that she doubted that God would give her a son. Most of all, Sarah wants Isaac to be Abraham’s only heir.
Hagar and Ishmael are sent into the wilderness by Abraham and Sarah, but God is not willing to cast them aside so easily. Hagar and Ishmael’s former life comes to an end, but God provides them with a new life. God’s gift of a well sustains them as Ishmael continues to grow.
Ishmael’s name means “God will hear.” In the wilderness times of our own lives, it is a comfort to know that God listens and has the power to bring new life out of what has been lost.
Compassionate God, your mercy and salvation have no limits. Your love extends to all people. Help us to hear and respond to the cries of those who have been cast aside. Amen. — KLS
Contributed by God Will Hear
When Abraham and Sarah's miracle child finally arrives, everyone is happy-except for Sarah. Sarah would rather forget the sad years she spent waiting to become a mother. Now that God's promise has come to pass, Sarah doesn't want to be reminded that she doubted that God would give her a son. Most of all, Sarah wants Isaac to be Abraham's only heir.
Hagar and Ishmael are sent into the wilderness by Abraham and Sarah, but God is not willing to cast them aside so easily. Hagar and Ishmael's former life comes to an end, but God provides them with a new life. God's gift of a well sustains them as Ishmael continues to grow.
Ishmael's name means "God will hear." In the wilderness times of our own lives, it is a comfort to know that God listens and has the power to bring new life out of what has been lost.
