The life of an outcast is not an easy one and there are many in our society who sadly find themselves in this very position for a number of reasons. Various circumstances including loss of job, ill health, addictions, financial stress and family or relationship breakdowns can lead to isolation and even homelessness.
In today's reading, we fast forward, possibly two to three years to the time when Isaac was weaned. In this culture, children were usually weaned later and we see it was a reason for great celebration:
"The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, "Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that woman's son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac." The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. But God said to him, "Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your offspring." Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the Desert of Beersheba. When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. Then she went off and sat down about a bowshot away, for she thought, "I cannot watch the boy die." And as she sat there, she began to sob. God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation." Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an archer. While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt."
Genesis 21:8-21 NIV
Tension in Abraham's household seemed to have been ongoing and came to a head during this celebration for Isaac. Sarah could no longer tolerate her husband's child, conceived with Hagar their slave. His mocking behaviour at this time was the last straw! Sarah's opinion was made very clear leaving Abraham feeling upset and concerned for his son Ishmael.
Turning to God, Abraham is advised to listen to his wife. Trusting God, Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael out of his house into the wilderness with some food and a skin of water. I imagine this would have been very hard for Abraham to do but he obeyed God. As a result, now Hagar was now homeless and an outcast!
After some time, their supplies ran out and with no one to turn to Hagar puts Ishmael under a bush and sits a way off waiting for him to die. Abraham had abandoned his son but only with God's advice so I guess it's not surprising that we find Hagar being visited by an angel in the desert. God's mercy and compassion was evident as when he heard Ishmael crying, He acted. The angel tells Hagar not to be afraid but to lift up her son who was presumably very weak by this stage and take him with her. God promised to make him into a great nation which must have brought her great hope to carry on. God had a plan!
Through God's compassion, Hagar's eyes were opened to see a nearby source of water in the desert and it seems that God continued to provide for Ishmael as we read he grew up and Hagar acquired an Egyptian wife for her son.
Whether you are identifying with the outcast or the one who sent the outcast away, know that God hears Your cries and knows Your heart so well. His direction and compassion are on the way!
Listen and be guided by the Spirit to ways you can demonstrate God's grace, love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion to the marginalised in your part of the world today!
"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Luke 12:6-7 NIV
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18 NIV
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail."
Lamentations 3:22 NIV
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for this story of compassion and provision in what was a very difficult situation. Thank You that even when we make bad decisions in our lives, You don't leave us. Lord You care for all people so I bring to You now the outcasts or marginalised in my city. Lord bless the homeless, the hungry, the broken hearted, the misunderstood, the refugees, the poor, the lonely, those in prison, the addicts, the unemployed, the sick, the elderly and those living with a disability. May they look to You and receive comfort, healing, restoration and provision. Prompt those who can share their wealth, their time, their homes, their resources to bring Your love and compassion to these special people of Yours. Soften my heart so I am willing to do my part!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
"For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see."
Psalms 36:9 NLT
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Light and Life for Today
EspiritualA daily devotional for your time alone with God. In an increasingly dark world, more than ever, we need to look beyond what we can see, past our present circumstances. In order to see the light and experience life as our Heavenly Father intended, I...
