We have a situation described in the Bible of a woman named Hagar who found herself pregnant and alone. Later, she finds herself with this son of hers on the verge of death from dehydration.
The book of Genesis clearly and simply tells us how Hagar found herself pregnant. Yes, yes, Sarah and Abraham played a role but remember Romans 4:8. Abraham and Sarah were blessed and in covenant with The LORD. The LORD was with them and their sin was covered. Hagar was not.
Hagar forgot her place and arose against a woman who carried GOD’s purposes. The woman, Sarah, treated her harshly and Hagar fled. Whose side was the LORD? He sent HIS Angel to tell Hagar to go back and submit to Sarah. Ok, you will all argue that this was inhuman, against women’s rights, and some even go as far as labeling it the rape of Hagar in spite of it being an acceptable practice at that time. Later on we find the same Sarah deciding to throw out Hagar, Abraham is not pleased with the whole issue but GOD stands with Sarah and off Hagar is sent to the desert, no child support except some water. She goes and starts crying in the desert. The Bible records that GOD hears the cry of the lad and is silent about the cry of Hagar.
Here are some points to note from this matter of Hagar and her son.
i. The Bible says that righteous and true are the judgments of GOD. You do not have to agree with them or understand them but they are righteous and true and ultimately you have to accept them. The judgments of GOD are righteous. GOD is all knowing, all powerful and everywhere, so He reserves the right to judge and we trust HIM in this and in all.
ii. We are not dealing with a human laws and manmade principles. We are dealing with a divine plan that existed before creation. We are dealing with The MOST HIGH. The MOST HIGH in HIS choice and wisdom chose Abraham and Sarah and was not going to shortchange them due to their human frailties. Remember, Hagar had walked with Abraham and Sarah and knew what The LORD had done for them, she could have remained submissive to Sarah and left Ishmael to be raised by Sarah and Abraham but from the look of things she had her own plans but God was with Sarah and HIS plan stuck to date. He did not withdraw HIS favor from them because of Hagar. Accept it.
iii. Someone once said, GOD’s case, no appeal. So, now, that you disagree with GOD’s judgment of Hagar or of whatever situation what are you going to do? Sue HIM? Jail HIM? Quarrel HIM? I humbly suggest that you humble yourself, ask for HIM to apply HIS mercy which we know is legendary and present your case before HIM and accept whatever judgment HE hands down. HE is known to be kind , loving , extremely patient, forgiving and yes, merciful
Beloved, learn early to submit to GOD and HIS ways. We know that HIS ways are not our ways. Aren’t we told trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Ok, the anti-GOD brigade will decry this perceived ill treatment of Hagar and use it to vilify GOD and HIS kingdom. Listen here you enemies of GOD, our GOD is in heaven and HE does what HE pleases, end of story. Remember, HE sent two angels to Hagar and made a way for them in the desert. HE covered the acts of Abraham and Sarah, so let your words be few.
iv. Beloved, remember Sarah herself had been in a situation where she was vulnerable with two kings. Both times, The LORD fought incredibly on Sarah’s side. It is unconceivable that Sarah did not ask for Hagar’s consent. I bet she did, but as mentioned earlier, Hagar had her own plan which went awry. She then quickly and wisely dumped this plan and fell in line with the plan of GOD. Beloved, you are well advised to do the same thing.
v. The true colors of Hagar were seen, when she got what she thought she wanted. She had despise hidden deep in her heart. And when she got what she thought she wanted, her true colors showed. The angel told her, go back to your mistress and submit yourself to her. The angel did not mince words with her or commiserate with her. The angel told her plainly, go back and submit. I hope the modern day jezebels are listening. Perhaps, you are in the desert with your children but the solution is very simple, “go back and submit”.
Sometimes, in life , we also pursue relentlessly what we think we want at the expense of all others, only for it to become a horrendous nightmare requiring the intervention of GOD. Is this you, Beloved? Repent and fall in line with GOD’s instructions and plan. He is able to turn messes into messages of hope and encouragement.
vi. Exercise care when dealing with people whom the LORD has favored and people with whom The LORD has long term plans with. Exercise care when dealing with people whose sin The LORD has covered. Romans 4:8. There are people of whom it is written” Touch not My anointed” “ I will give nations on behalf of you”. Stop fighting such people. Even if they are on the wrong. Be like Abimelech and Pharaoh, give them gifts and send them on their way. It is said, The LORD works in mysterious ways. My advice, be guided by The HOLY SPIRIT. When directed to honor some people and leave them alone, honor them and leave them alone. Actually, the Bible says be at peace with all men. Let GOD intervene on your behalf if need be. Additionally, strive to be one of these people who are extremely favored, walk before The LORD and be blameless. Yes, let JESUS save you, believe in your heart, be blameless, follow HIS commandments and who knows you may join the ranks of the favored and start seeing The LORD fighting your battles for you like HE did for Abraham and Sarah.
vii. Be careful about what you say about characters in the Bible. Jude 1:10. Be careful what you say about people like Abraham and Sarah. These are people who walked with The LORD and the LORD came for lunch in their house and they went to heaven. And you? Even butterflies don’t come near you. Only bees and hornets and you open your mouth to speak against Sarah and Abraham? You open your mouth to slander such people. Just like nowadays, we are in the habit of slandering pastors and ministers and making fun of them as if we are all in the same league. And we call this memes. Repent.
Look at the case of Joel Osteen, the things Christians say about him are shocking if not disturbing. Why publicize these differences? For goodness sake, inbox him and his ministry and allow the new sheep in his ministry grow and be able to digest bones like you can. Let’s stop fighting each other. Read Luke 9:49-50. “Do not stop him” JESUS said, “because whoever is not against you is for you”. Beloved, let’s stop this bickering and rivalry and get on with the task at hand.
viii. Create in me a clean heart is a common song sang. We all should pray this song and mean it. Hagar had some inner issues in her heart just festering there waiting for the day of exposure. Sometimes, the trouble we go through is to humble us and expose the inner wickedness we have. Later, Hagar listened to The LORD, counted her losses and moved on with life and the LORD was faithful to Abraham as concerns Ishmael. Hagar could have gone to Abraham’s tent and made all sorts of demands for camels and gold and whatever else but she didn’t. She listened to The LORD and trusted HIM. Single mothers out there, or as they are called nowadays baby mamas are known to be full of pride, haughty, arrogant and trouble makers in every sense. How about you, baby mama, how about , you humble yourself, leave the man and his wife alone and raise your child or children without causing trouble for another woman? It doesn’t matter the circumstances, Hagar’s were terrible and still The LORD was and is for Abraham and Sarah? Forgive, let go, stay away and for goodness sake don’t poison your child with all the ranting of what a saint you are and what a devil the man and his wife are? GOD will intervene on behalf of that child. That is how HIS kingdom works. Quit all the drama and endless self pity. Like Hagar, move on! GOD is the provider not the man or the child support cheque. Permit me to ask, what happens if the man is incapacitated, dead or runs away from you to a far land because of you? What will you do? Smarten up! Trust the LORD, HE makes ways in deserts and HE knows exactly where you and your children are.
Beloved, the humbling and obedience of Hagar landed her in a good place. It is recorded that her son Ishmael came for the burial of Abraham and did not bother Isaac after that. Seemingly, they maintained space. The children of Ishmael were blessed in fact later they were used by GOD to save Joseph from his murderous brothers.
Beloved, Romans 8:28, says that all things work together for good of all that love The LORD and those who are called according to HIS purpose. The divine plan for salvation dates back ages. It is a wonderful plan with a space for you to be on the side of The MOST HIGH and HIS plan. JESUS CHRIST is the culmination and epitome of this plan. HIS followers get to have their sins forgiven and their names in HIS Book of Life.
Beloved, the scripture informs us, "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:15.
Do you want to know JESUS as your personal Lord and Savior? Your eternity is at stake! JESUS has opened the door of salvation to every person. But there is coming a day when the door will be closed. Today is the day of salvation. Choose to be in the family of GOD. JESUS died so that we can spend eternity in Heaven with HIM. Don't delay! And if you want to begin a relationship with GOD or resume a broken one, say this: O GOD, I come to YOU today. I know I am a sinner. I believe that JESUS died on the cross to save me and HE resurrected on the third day. I repent of my sins and forsake them. I confess JESUS as my LORD and SAVIOR . I invite JESUS into my heart. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank YOU JESUS for saving me and making me a child of GOD. Amen
