“And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing.” – Genesis 21:9
Scripture reading: Genesis 21:8-21; Galatians 4:21-30
We’ve heard Sarah laugh with joy over God’s faithfulness. Now, in the next portion of Scripture, we hear Ishmael, Abraham’s son by Hagar, laughing at young Isaac. The Hebrew word is the same, but the meaning is very different. Ishmael is scoffing at God’s promises. He hated this little boy, Isaac; “Why is Isaac so special? Why does he get all the attention? I want him gone!”
Remember, Ishmael was Abraham’s son. He was circumcised. He had grown up hearing about the promise of blessing for the nations through Abraham’s seed. But he despised the promise. That promise pointed forward to Jesus, and Jesus would come through Isaac. Ishmael’s contempt for Isaac was really contempt for Jesus.
So, God affirms that Ishmael and Hagar must go. John Calvin suggests that Abraham’s meager provisions may have been meant to keep them nearby, within reach of God’s covenant blessing. But they are not interested in God’s covenant promises, and walk away. The chapter closes with Ishmael marrying an Egyptian. The choice against God’s promise was complete.
From this sobering story, we learn two things. First, we learn from God’s own example that we must have compassion for those outside of a saving relationship with God. Second, we must take seriously the spiritual wilderness that awaits those who reject His promises. As God’s “so-that” people, our calling is to point others to Jesus, the promised seed. The promise is for all who believe. Will you laugh with the joy of salvation—or scoff and walk away?
Suggestions for prayer
Reflect on your response to the promises of God. Pray for God’s blessing on worship today, that all may be encouraged in the gospel. Pray that the promise of salvation for all who believe will bear much fruit.
Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.