01-63 The God of the Word
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Genesis 21:9-21
Genesis 21:9-21
It has been said that not every theologian is a Christian but every Christian is a theologian. A theologian is primarily one who is a student of theology; one who studies God. That ought to be the desire/aim of every person who has been redeemed by LJC.
John Dick (Scottish pastor and theologian 1764–1833) answered the question “why study theology?”
Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth Why Study Theology?
1. “To ascertain the character of God in its aspect towards us”
2. “To contemplate the display of his attributes in his works and dispensations”
3. “To discover his designs toward man in his original and his present state”
4. “To know this mighty Being, as far as he may be known, [which] is the noblest aim of the human understanding”
5. “To learn our duty to him, the means of enjoying his favor, the hopes which we are authorized to entertain, and the wonderful expedient by which our fallen race is restored to purity and happiness”
6. “To love him, the most worthy exercise of our affections”
7. “To serve him, the most honourable and delightful purpose to which we can devote our time and talents”
The source for theology (textbook) is the Bible. This is b/c the Bible is the self-disclosure of God—His self-revelation. So the primary purpose of the Word of God is the reveal the God of the Word. When you are reading the Bible, the most important observation you can make—the most important question you can ask is “what does this passage teach me about God?” As God reveals Himself in His Word, you will find the answer to that question in every passage—something about the nature/character of the Triune God.
That’s true in Gen 21. We look briefly last time at the birth of Isaac—the fulfillment of God’s standing promise to Abraham to give him a descendant thru his wife Sarah. And yet, Gen 21 is not about Isaac, Abraham, Sarah—the vv we’ll study this morning are not about Hagar or Ishmael—but once again, the Lord God take center stage in this narrative, and I’ll point out 4 activities of God. But before that, I want to return to the previous portion (vv 1-8) for just a moment b/c the birth of Isaac is truly remarkable. In many ways, the birth of Isaac foreshadows the birth of LJC in at least 7 ways.
Both are the promised seed and son: Isaac many times in Gen. Jesus: Gen 3:15; Is 7:14;
Both had a lengthy delay between the promises and their fulfillment. Isaac-25 years; Jesus 100s of years
When Sarah heard she would have a son she said: Gen 18:13 “‘Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?’” The Lord responded Gen 18:14 “Is anything too difficult for the Lord? When the birth of Jesus was announced—similarly Mary (whose faith was seemingly greater) asked Lk 1:34 “34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”” The angel’s response: Lk 1:37 “37 “For nothing will be impossible with God.”” God’s response in both cases was to assert His omnipotence
The names of both children had profound symbolism and were given even before their births. (Gen 17:19; Mt 1:21)
The birth of Isaac took place at God’s “appointed time” (Gen 21:2). Jesus: Gal 4:4 “4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,”
Jesus birth, like Isaac required a miracle to bring it about. Of course, the miracle of Jesus’ birth is far greater since He was conceived without human father (the HS) with the virgin Mary. Isaac’s birth only required God to open the womb of Sarah at her advanced age (still only the work of God could accomplish this). Many people deny the miracle of Jesus’ birth (the virgin birth)
The name Isaac means “laughter” and becomes a snapshot of the joy he brought to Abraham and Sarah. After the angel visited Mary and told her she would bear a son she responded in what has been called “The Magnificat” (my soul exalts/magnifies the Lord)… Lk 1:47 “47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” The birth of Jesus brought joy, not only to Mary: But the angel also:
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
Isaac’s birth foreshadows the greater joy that would come on account of the birth of LJC—the savior of the world. Of course, that joy belongs to all who have encountered the new birth that results from believing in Him.
you can read about Abraham’s obedience—circumcision on 8th day; also Sarah’s joyful laugh and exaltation of what God has accomplished (vs 7). Moses also notes how Abraham made a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned from Sarah (usually 2-3 years). Let me now point out 4 activities of God:
1. God’s Direction
1. God’s Direction
vv 9-14
After the birth of Isaac and a few years after that—Moses comments that Sarah weaned Isaac (about 2-3 years of age). This was important to the development of a child and the mother who loves her child will wean them so they can be free to grow and not be dependent on her.
As some point after that feast (could be a few years later) Sarah observes Ishmael (maybe around 17 at this point)— “mocking.” Now this is the suggestion as to how Sarah interpreted his action. The Heb term is a form of Isaac’s name—the verb means “to laugh.” Sarah sees Ishmael laughing and believes him to be mocking Isaac (or her). The word can simply mean to play or to laugh, joke. From this account we would have a difficult time truly understanding what Ishmael was doing with Isaac. Some have suggested they were just playing and Sarah over-reacted to the situation. Others have suggested that Ishmael’s behavior was actually hostile toward Isaac. There is 1 hint in the NT (itself a challenging passage)—where Ishmael was persecuting Isaac.
29 But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also.
That persecution has continued to this day so that the Arab/Israeli hostility continues on. That persecution continues to be born by the people of God. Believers have always been persecuted by the world. Christ said it would be so.
12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
We can safely say that Sarah’s reaction was to the persecution, scorn, ridicule that her son was receiving. To what degree we can’t say for sure. But her response was emphatic: vs 10
That’s what the Lord had revealed previously:
Gen 17:16-19;
Now, Sarah’s demand distressed Abraham (vs 11). This word is the general word for bad or evil in Heb—Lit “was bad/evil in Abraham’s sight”--We might say today that it went badly: indeed! Moses adds “distressed…greatly” meaning exceedingly; w/ strength—Abraham was hurt.
This was his only son until the birth of Isaac. For 14 years, he had given all his fatherly love to Ishmael. He cared deeply for the boy. He had given them everything the needed. Now, he is facing this turmoil in the home b/c of his own doing. nevertheless he loves Ishmael and Sarah’s directive only increases that hurt.
This is where God speaks to Abraham, providing direction: vs 12-13
Sometimes it is wise to listen to your wife. She is your best confidant and best counselor (aside from the HS). This is the blessing of being one flesh with the woman God has joined you to. She’ll give you wisdom, she’ll promote your sanctification, she’ll provide the perspective that you’re lacking when decisions must be made. But understand that wives, like their husbands are not infallible. Sometimes they will err in their judgment and counsel (See Eve). When it goes against the teaching of the Word—you must uphold Scripture and bring your wife to that point as well.
In this case God told Abraham “listen to her.” And He explains why he should not be distressed over this ordeal… “for (explanation) through Isaac...”
The promise is fulfilled in Isaac not Ishmael. But Abraham needed to know that his beloved son Ishmael would not be left to himself…vs 13. He would become a nation. God was giving direction to Abraham, and by addressing a self-created mess that Abraham had made for himself—the Lord God was showing grace and bringing about His own sovereign purposes.
Griffith Thomas writes that God “was taking up the tangled threads of His servant’s life, weaving them into his own divine pattern, and overruling everything for good”. This is God’s way. This is what would later be realized in Joseph’s life when he addressed his brothers: “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
Abraham would have to decide if he would follow God’s direction—vs 14. Notice the timing: early in the morning—at the soonest possible moment, Abraham followed this direction. He was quick to obey. And really, this what God is after—first time, immediate obedience. That’s true of children—be quick to obey your parents (Eph 6:1), this is true for slaves (employees), this is true for believers--
60 I hastened and did not delay To keep Your commandments.
15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
3 By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.
Abraham set Hagar and Ishmael on their way with necessary provisions—bread and water. And in the most tender way—gave the boy to her. Obedience will often cost you. It might cost you a relationship that you have cherished. It might cost you by surrendering your pride. It might cost you the comfort and ease of this life—if you lose a job. Pursuing God’s will can hurt—but we must obey God!
2. God’s Attention
2. God’s Attention
vv 15-18
We often ask this question that reveals how little we truly understand about the God of the Word: “where is God when difficult things happen?” I get it—we need comfort in trials, we need healing when there is deep hurt, we need the peace that comes from knowing that God is walking with us thru the valley of the shadow of death. It is a natural question to ask but it is asked from “little faith” (o you of little faith—Jesus uses that as a gentle correction to the disciples’ worry, fear and doubt).
The scene shifts to Hagar and the boy: vs 15. Water runs out. Now, they are in the desert/wilderness of Beersheba (75 miles SW of Jerusalem). She does what every mother would do for her child—puts him under the shade and distances herself from his misery (bowshot). She is powerless to stop the inevitable death that would shortly come upon her son and has done all she can do. So she speaks one of the first prayers of the Bible. “do not let me see…” Hagar spent a lot of time in Abraham’s household. No doubt she has heard of YHWH and learned of Abraham’s relationship with the Creator. She comes to the absolute end of her resources and ability and pours out her heart—not even really addressing God (not properly anyhow). She just kind of throws the prayer out there—this is the prayer of desperation, prayer of deep, agonizing concern—just weeping. I don’t think she is asking to be made blind (that might have already happened—vs 19) but that the child would be spared from death—by severe dehydration.
vs 17 “God heard…God heard”
Angel of God (different from YHWH) but still the appearance of God Himself. He asks Hagar—(17-18). This may be the 1st time Hagar has heard that God will make Ishmael a great nation—which means, he can’t die here—not this way. God reassures those caught in difficult circumstances that He is active and is in control. He heard the cry.
15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.”
12 “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
God hears. He is listening, attentive to the prayers of His people. It is telling that we often only go to Him in prayer when we’re at the end of our resources and abilities. We have this perspective that “when all else fails—pray.” That’s wrong, “before all else fails—pray.” God is attentive. We may not like the answer He gives (yes, no, wait)…but prayer is really a matter of bending your will to His—not my will but Yours be done. That’s what our prayer is really for.
God is also attentive to the prayer of repentance and those who turn to Him for salvation and forgiveness of sin.
3. God’s Provision
3. God’s Provision
vs 19—In His promise to make a great nation from Ishmael—He must also provide, right? That what we see of God here, once again. He opened her eyes and she saw (not the death of her child) a well of water. Where did this well come from? Some think that it was there all along and Hagar failed to see it and could only see after God opened her eyes. Maybe there was blindness that resulted from the sun and dehydration. But this also supposes that their salvation was within reach, they just needed a bit more human effort and they would have saved themselves.
I see something different. The well was only there after God created it. This is a much clearer parallel of your salvation—God not only opened your eyes to the reality of your condition—but He also made provision for that which you could never have done yourself—the source of living water which could only come from Himself—the LJC. And you would have only seen the answer for your need b/c God called you to partake of the living water.
This is the provision for Hagar and Ishmael—and they drank.
4. God’s Protection
4. God’s Protection
vv 20-21
“God was with...” It was God’s presence and protection that bought Ishmael from 17 year old to reach adulthood and eventually become a great nation. It was God (focus again on God) who sustained him, brought him to maturity, who guided him to become a skilful archer.
Now, Ishmael made his home in the wilderness—becomes a “wild donkey of a man” (16:12). He lived near Paran which is the main desert in the easter Sinai peninsula which reaches as far south as the Red Sea. We’re not told how Hagar found a wife for her son but Moses indicates that she found a wife in Egypt. That is where she was from originally.
It was God’s protection that brought about the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that Ishmael would become a great nation. And since we’re accustomed to seeing God fulfill His promises, we can look ahead at the nation he became—the father of 12 princes according to their tribes (25:16) and he himself lived to be 137. Those 12 sons would become the Arab nations that have been a constant source of enmity against the Jews—Abraham’s descendants thru Isaac.
This account is the picture of need people today (millions) who wander, are weary, thirsty, blind and giving up in despair. The message of the Bible is that the God of the Word has made the water of life available to all who would come to the well—it is not far away.
37 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ ” 39 But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
God is gracious and kind to save those who come to Him and believe on LJC.
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
Become students of theology—to study God—the One whom you love. And if you’ve not come to the water of life—do so today (repent/believe).