The Mind of Christ

Genesis 21:12 But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named.

This verse is in the midst of Abraham, again, trying to do things on his own and in his own strength. Abraham was told by God that many nations would come from him. However, Abraham and Sarah were very old and could not have children. So Abraham and Sarah decided to help God along and have a child with their slave Hagar. After realizing they made a wrong decision, they sent Hagar and her son Ishmael away to the desert. Hagar and her son were sure to die in the hostile conditions, but God made a way. There are some fun truths we can take away from the story.

God hears us and provides a way for us!!! Ishmael’s name means “God hears” While out in the desert, Hagar and Ishmael were sure to die. However we were told in Genesis 21:17 “Do not be afraid. God has heard the boy crying…” Christ was ALWAYS with them and made a way for them, Christ does the same for you. When all seems lost, when hope fades look to Christ!!! He will provide a way and a path back to the open arms of himself.

Secondly God is faithful to the outcasts. Hagar was an Egyptian, not part of the chosen lineage. However God’s truth and salvation is for “all that believe” we read in Romans 1:16. In the new testament we are told that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile. Christ live knows no bounds and is not limited by race, sex, or ethnicity.

It is just easy to fall into Satan’s lies, to feel isolated and unloved. Hagar and Ishmael I’m sure felt just that way. The good news is God tells us in Psalm 121:3 “He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121 was a Psalm I had to memorize for school in 5th grade and has been written on my heart. We have a living and active God who cares deeply for his children…who doesn’t sleep but is providential over every step we take.