Eye Opening Grace

12 But God said to Abraham, "Do not be distressed because of the boy and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you. 13 As for the son of the slave woman, I will make a nation of him also, because he is your offspring." (Genesis 21:12-13)

Abraham could have kept Ishmael - giving him rights as the first-born son - but with the looming shame of the sin that created him, and familial distrust stifling his joy. Or Abraham could set Ishmael free to pursue life on his own terms, unhindered and unburdened.

After Sarah became pregnant and gave birth to Isaac, there is no mention of further turmoil in the household between Sarah and Hagar. Even as Sarah demands that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away, Genesis states only that Sarah saw Ishmael playing with Isaac (21:9). It seems that Sarah simply didn't want the reminder of her earlier struggles and heartbreak.

So, feeling cast away, forsaken, and disparaged for the crime of doing what was required (Hagar) and living (Ishmael), mother and son were sent off with the merest of provisions - bread and water. When the water ran out, Hagar left her son alone and sat a ways off from him because she didn't want to see him die - maybe she also didn't want him to see her die. At this lowest point, as she cried, Hagar heard God tell her not to be afraid because her son would become a nation just as would Isaac. Then her eyes were opened to see a well - to see hope and a future.

We'll never know if the two nations could have been unified had Abraham and Sarah not thought God's promise to them could be so easily threatened. We can, however, learn from them that the chosen-ness of one does not require the exclusion of another. God has promise and purpose for each of us. May our eyes, and hearts, be opened to the divine hope and future we have in the Living Water that casts out all fear.

28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:28-31)