Welcome!
Today: God of our children!
Passage: Gen 21
15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she thought, “I cannot watch the boy die.” And as she sat there nearby, she[c] began to sob. (Gen 21, NIV )
While Hagar got pregnant, Sarah, her mistress and Abraham’s wife despised her and she had to run out of her house. But God told her to go back and submit to Sarah (Gen 16)
After 14 years, Sarah gave birth to Isaac. Now that Isaac grew up, there were issues again. Hagar had to get out of Abraham’s house with Ismael who was about 20 years old. Abraham gave them little water and the bread, but that was finished. Now Hagar put the boy away from her, and started sobbing
She was a generation away from her son. We call it “generation gap”
As Hagar was crying about her son, Ismael was also crying. Many parents who cry about their children think that the children have no issues, no cries. They have their own issues and pressures that they cry about!
God heard the cry of the boy and answered Hagar
17 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. 18 Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.”
19 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. (Gen 21, NIV )
We need to cry about our children, like Hagar
Why God answered to Hagar and not to Ismael?
Hagar is the responsible parent who is with Ismael. Children can miss answers to their prayers if they are not communicating with their parents well (Eph 6: 1-3)
Ismael had Abraham’s seed in him. So he might have really cried to God, while Hagar was probably sobbing about the boy only. Sometimes we cry about our children and other issues in life, but we forget (!) to direct our cries to God!
While both Hagar and Ismael were crying, Abraham must also have been crying!
We cannot always be with our children. But when they go away, sent some water and bread – the spiritual riches and God’s word with them; keep praying. God will supply them with the other things they need.
Hagar’s answer was near her, but her eyes were closed; she could not see it until God opened her eyes. When God opened, it was not a cup of water but a well!
God’s cup is a well! His hands are so big! Don’t limit God (Eph 3:20)
God bless your day!
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your love and provisions. Our parents prayed to you and you heard their prayers and brought us so far. You are our God as well as the God of our children. Thank you for caring for them as well. Amen