Deja Vu? - The similarity between Genesis 16 and 21 suggest a single account. Whether one or two stories, they suggest that Hagar and Ishmael are prominent figures in the Abraham cycle and cannot be set aside as minor diversions.

What about Bob? - Isaac is growing up - but what about 16 year old Ishmael? Apparently, the relationship between Sarah and Hagar (16:3-9) has festered for years or has recently deteriorated since Isaac’s birth. Notice Sarah’s words about Hagar: refuses to call her “Hagar” and instead refers to her as “bondwoman.”

What is Abraham’s Response? - “The matter “upset” (NLT), “was very frustrating” (NIV, NRSV), “was vexed” (NEB), “troubled” (TEV) Abraham very much. Abraham’s distress is placed squarely on Ishmael, not Hagar-because Sarah insists that he choose between his two sons.

God Sides with Sarah - Sarah tells Mr. A what to do-and he jumps! God affirms Sarah’s instructions based on what God has earlier told Abraham (17:19-21). This word requires a choice-choose you this day. Both sons are Abraham’s; both share his DNA and history. But God’s specific future regarding Abraham’s clan will happen through the one rather the other son.

With whom do you side with? With harsh and insistent Sarah? Or with troubled and distressed Abraham in sending Hagar and Ishmael away?

When forced to do what you don’t want to do-like saying good-bye or breaking up with someone you care about-what finally motivates you to do it anyway?

Become Sarah: why must Hagar and Ishmael be sent away? Become Abraham: what anguish do you feel? Become Hagar: what is going through your head? Become Ishmael: what feelings might you have of your father? Step mother?

What does Hagar receive from God, even though outside of Abraham’s clan? What does this reveal about God?

In choosing Isaac and rejecting Ishmael, is God cruel? Abitrary? Gracious? Sovereign? Merciful?

 

Please refer to the homily for this week, “Hagar’s Untold Story,” on the sermon page.