There are many, many stories about Abram and Sarai, soon to be renamed Abraham and Sarah by God. One story is about Lot, Abram's nephew. Remember-- Lot built his home in or near the evil town of Sodom. Yes, it was nearly annihilated by war and Abram had to step in and save Lot, Lot's family, and his goods. And there was more than a lot of trouble with the question, "Why did we not have a son who would carry on Abram's promise from God to build a nation?" Remember! Abram and Sarai were old already and time was quickly passing! These things and others consumed them.
Abram had despaired of ever having their own child. Abram believed the Lord would give them a son as he had promised,, but it was taking so very long. Even although he trusted the Lord, he wondered. Abram was glad to see that his outward actions had not resulted in being wrong or right with God, but that rightness with God was based on faith--the heartfelt inner confidence that God is who he says he is and does what he says he will do. He saw that right actions follow naturally to faith and trust. Abram was learning.
About having their own child..Sarai, said one fine day, "Why don't we just have Hagar come into your tent, get pregnant, and have our child?" Abraham agreed, and they did just that. Sarai began to give Hagar a bad time, even mistreating her. Finally, Hagar fled. But an angel of the Lord told Hagar, "Go back to your mistress and submit to her. I will increase your descendants also, until they are too numerous to count. You shall have a son, and you will call him Ishmael." Abram was 86 years old when Ishmael was born.
When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him once again. He changed Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's name to Sarah. The angel also told Abraham to keep the covenant with God, have every male of each household circumcised as circumcision was to be a covenant of the flesh with Jewish males, an everlasting covenant.
Although many things happened to Abraham that year, God did prepare Abraham and Sarah to bear and deliver Isaac. The child grew and was weaned, so Abraham held a great feast. But, Sarah became aware that Hagar and her son with Abraham seemed to be mocking her. She said to Abraham, "Get rid of that woman and her son!" The matter distressed Abraham, but God said to him, "Do not be concerned for them. Do whatever Sarah tells you. I will see to Hagar and Ishmael, as he will also be the head of a nation of people."
Early the next morning Abraham took food and water to Hagar. She went on her way, wandering in the desert of Beersheba. God watched over them, protecting them from starvation and providing them with water, most miraculously, again promising Hagar: "Ishmael was to be a great leader of a great nation."
Can you see the sin creeping up now and then? Not just in Abraham, but also in Sarah. Poor Hagai, born to be a servant; destined to be the mother of an emperor. Yet, each one bore their burdens as best as they could. And they each trusted in the Lord, as best as they knew how. Does God ask us for anything more?
Tomorrow is another day, and another tale to tell of Abraham....a tale of great faith. Stay with us!
See you tomorrow!
JoINMN
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