The Lessons Of Hagar

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”.