Like I said in my last post, this section of scripture has a huge message in it for me. And you. I am actually going to type up a condensed version of my notes, since I wrote eight pages worth in my journal. But there is so much meat in here that it's still not going to be short, I assure you. By the way, are you keeping a journal of your notes as you read? I find that it really helps to journal your thoughts on a passage, because you can always go back and read what you wrote. It's amazing what I can forget in as little as 1 hour's time. I also hope that you'll write something for yourself about every single chapter that you read--even if you are just describing what happened. It will serve as a basic outline if you decide to re-read something later. Alright...who's ready to dig in?
I am assuming that you have read these chapters already, because I'm going to put things in a different order, and it will be confusing if you don't know the story. So, do that first.
There are three characters in this story: Abram, Sarai, and Hagar. Each has a very real and very serious problem. And each of us can relate to at least one of them. I know I see myself in all three. Let's start with the brains of the operation, Sarai.
Sarai didn't believe God when He told her that He was going to give her a son. Not completely, anyway. We don't know how long she's been waiting since the first promise of a baby, but from her point of view, it's been long enough. So she says to herself, "Well, I guess I'm just going to have to make this happen." Have you ever heard the saying, "God helps them who help themselves?" Well read on, and then forget that saying. It's a lie. Not only does Sarai give her maid to her husband, but she plans to pass off the baby as her own. Can you imagine what kind of place you have to be in emotionally to come up with a plan like this? Childlessness was probably very painful for her, and to go through the hope of motherhood again would have brought that all back up again. But, the emotional state of Sarai isn't the main point, here so let's continue.
According to Sarai's plan, Hagar gets pregnant. But does that make Sarai happy? No, she gets jealous. But why--everything had gone according to her plan, right? The fatal flaw was that it was her plan. Imagine what the Enemy might have been whispering in her ear at this point. "Hagar, a filthy maid, can get pregnant, and you can't. What does that make you?" "How can you even call yourself a woman?" "She thinks she's better than you. Did you hear the tone of her voice just now? Did you see the look she just gave you?" "Did you see the look she just gave your husband?" "She is going to run you out of here." "I bet Abram enjoyed being with her. He probably loves her--someone who can give him a child." Satan loves to kick us when we're down. And he is clever enough to keep our thoughts right where he wants them--on ourselves.
Sarai's Lesson: Remember: God's awesome plan for your life will never include compromising your integrity. His will for your life will NEVER contradict His Word. (Girls, if there is a man in your life who you are sure is the one, you will never have to connive, play mind games, be fake, or sleep with him--to make him yours.) God is HUGE. Don't get in the way of his best for your life!
Abram. What's his role in all of this? God just showed him this amazing vision and promised him yet again to bless him beyond his dreams. Yet he just goes along with this sick, evil plan as if the encounter with God had never happened. And then he has not one, but two angry women to deal with. And how does he handle this? He gives all the power, yet again, to Sarai. God appointed the man as the head of the family, remember? And when the man doesn't live up to that divine appointment, serious consequences ensue.
Abram's lesson: We have been promised impossible blessings. A life inconceivable to our imaginations. But the second we start living our lives, the beauty of that vision starts to fade in our memories, until we wonder if it ever really happened. There is only one way to keep God's best for you at the forefront of your mind: Don't look away! Don't keep your relationship with God separate from your daily life. The more time you spend with God, the more familiar his voice sounds to you. It will become easier to distinguish between His voice, and the Imposter's.
Now, for the third point in this little "love" triangle. Hagar was abused, taken advantage of. She was run out of her home pregnant, penniless, shamed, with nowhere to turn. But God saw what happened to her. He told her to go back, fulfill the role that was required of her, and he would do great things for her, and her son. In 16:13 she says, "You are a God who sees." Amen.
Hagar's lesson: Like Hagar, some of us have been abused and mistreated when we were utterly helpless. But remember! God sees the injustice that happens in this world. He has compassion on those who are mistreated. Live your life for HIM, and you will receive blessings for that. There is the temptation to get dragged down in sorrow and pity over your situation. But do not look down at your feet saying, "Poor me!" Look up! He's there, reaching for you. He wants to be your Saviour. And he's got plans for you in this life, too.
Next Time: Genesis 17-19
I love your insight on these chapters. I feel for Sarai and not being able to conceive. As someone who had trouble with infertility I know how consuming it becomes and truly does take over your life. While she chose infidelity as a way to get a child, look at the drastic measures we are willing to take today. It is hard to wait for God's will at times, and this is a good example of what can happen when we do not.
Posted by: Jessie Hurst | August 05, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Jessie H forwarded me your website and told me about reading through the bible. I put my kids down for a nap at 12:30 and caught up (with no distractions)! God opened my eyes to His Word and I loved your insight. I am excited to read through the bible with you. Thank you for doing this!
Posted by: J Potter | August 05, 2008 at 02:13 PM
I never really thought about Sarai laughing before, but then to lie about it really brings to light that our Father knows the depths of our hearts. We cannot hide anything from him. I like that God still gave a son to Abram thru Sarai even after she took matters into her own hands. What a push over Abram was in this situa
Posted by: Jeani | August 05, 2008 at 03:57 PM