Promised Fulfilled- Genesis 21

Case studies are important for many fields and trials. They provide a presentation of the argument or viability of medicine for the observer. In the field of psychology, for example, if one is presenting a specific type of counseling, they usually accompany that with a case study showing its efficacy.

In the field of medicine, trials are conducting and then when the results are favorable, they use it as a case study to show the effectiveness of the medicine.

As we noted last week, the accounts in the Old Testament provide us with instruction in order for us to have patience and hope on our road to Christlikeness. And each account in the book of Genesis has been a case study of sorts.

Chapter 21 is another case study. It provides us with an example of God’s fulfillment of His promises. We can trust God because of what He has said, but also because of what He has done. It also provides us with an example of the world’s response to God’s fulfillment of His promises. We need to be reminded of this constantly, because we are prone to forget the world is no friend of God (cf. 1 John 3:13). Finally, we are provided an example of how to live in the midst of this unfriendly world.

Believers must learn to navigate the rebellious world, while living for His glory, as they embrace and enjoy the promises of God.

I. Embracing and Enjoying God’s Promises- 21:1-7

The first section of this chapter provides us with the sweet part of tonight’s sermon. We have the promise of God finally fulfilled. For several years (and chapters), we have journeyed with the patriarch, awaiting the fulfillment, and it has finally arrived. Isaac is born (17:21). God fulfilled His promise, and Abraham responds with obedience (circumcision, 17:10-14).

Can you imagine the joy that filled Abraham and Sarah’s hearts? For years they wanted children and were unable to conceive. For years God promised Abraham and Sarah they would have a child. And finally, that promise is performed.

What we see in Abraham and Sarah is an embracing and enjoying God’s promises. Though they experienced doubt, like all of us do, they trusted God and it was sweet. God’s promises are sweet to the believer. God has given them to us to embrace and enjoy them.

It is mind-boggling to me how Christians can simply attend church on Sunday mornings without ever digger deeper into the wonders of the Christian life. It is sad and shocking that so many are satisfied with the fleeting pleasures of this life, while an infinite and eternal bounty lies in the Word of God. Let us follow Abraham’s example of embracing and enjoying God’s promises. Listen to Peter’s exhortation in 2 Peter 1:2-4

2 Peter 1:2–4 NKJV

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Read, meditate, and memorize God’s Word to embrace fully and enjoy deeply God’s promises.

II. The Rebellious World’s Response- 21:8-21

God’s promises, and our lives as Christians are led in this rebellious world. How do we respond to the world? That will be for the next section. For this section, we will see how the world responds to God’s promises. I can tell you, the world does not embrace or enjoy God’s promises. We learn much on the world in this portion, as well as the goodness and grace of God.

A. The World Scoffs at God’s Promises- 21:9-11 (cf. Matt. 27:39-44)

Isaac is weaned and the tribe celebrates, well, almost all the tribe. Ishmael, Abraham’s first born, scoffs. He made fun of Isaac. Now, before we are too harsh with Ishmael, we must remember that he is in an unfair position. Abraham failed to believe God and as result conceived Ishmael with Hagar. There was division early on, but it seems to have subsided, until now.

Ishmael no doubt hates Isaac. He was the promised one, the one for whom his father and his father’s wife had waited. The world scoffs at God’s promises, regardless of the situation, however. We can see this throughout Scripture, but for the sake of time we will limit our discussion to the present chapter.

B. The World Cannot Interfere with God’s Promises- 21:12

I say cannot, not that it is impossible (though it is under God’s sovereign hand), but that it should not. The mixed multitude that went out with Israel from Egypt caused many problems for Israel, though they should not have (cf. Ex. 12:38).

God allows Sarah’s desire for the removal of Hagar and Ishmael because it was not God’s promise to Ishmael, but to Isaac (Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers). There must be a separation from the world, its way of thinking, speaking, and doing (2 Cor. 6:11-18). This is true throughout the Bible, in both testaments.

Just as Abraham did not allow Hagar and Ishmael to meddle with God’s promises, so too, we must avoid the world.

C. God’s grace to the Rebellious World- 21:13-21

God is so gracious that He is kind to this rebellious world. This spans in simple common grace (food, relationships, enjoyments in this life) to incredible grace such as His treatment of Hagar and Ishmael. God had promised Abraham would be the father of many nations, and Ishmael will be one fulfillment of this promise.

God protects Hagar, provides for her and her son’s needs, and blesses. It is upon this grace of God that Jesus tells us (Matthew 5:43-45)

Matthew 5:43–45 NKJV

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Though God provides His common grace to the rebellious world, it it still rebellious. It does not respond with joy but with scoffing and hatred. Let us not be surprised by this (1 John 3:13).

III. Navigating a Rebellious World- 21:22-34

The last section of chapter 21 provides a case study on ways to navigate a rebellious world. There are many passages of Scripture that discuss the importance of navigating this world. First and foremost, we do so to glorify God (cf. Matt. 5:16). We aim to live a life that is peaceable (1 Tim. 2:2). We understand this is not always possible (for example, Christians experiencing persecution would much rather live peaceably with their persecutors). That is why Paul says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Rom. 12:18)

We are also called to preach the gospel and through our lives and lips guide people into a saving relationship with the Triune God (see 2 Tim. 2:21-26).

With this brief foundation, we return to the account between Abimelech and Abraham. Through the course of events (including those of the proceeding chapter), Abimelech realizes that God is with Abraham. During this interchange, a point of conflict arises. Abraham tells Abimelech about the theft of a well (which was extremely important in this time).

Abimelech was completely unaware of this event. Notice the order of events (and remember chapter 20). Abimelech comes to Abraham to make a covenant that Abraham and his people would deal honestly with the people of Gerar. Abimelech treats Abraham with kindness. Abraham swears. He agrees to this covenant, for it is mutually beneficial and fulfilling the Lord’s desire to bless all the nations of the earth.

Then shortly after this, Abraham rebukes Abimelech. Abimelech’s people have stolen a well from the patriarch, and Abraham brings this to his attention. It would seem that Abraham is accusing this pagan king of deceitfulness, which is ironic considering the previous chapter. Nevertheless, Abimelech speaks with integrity, denying any previous knowledge of this event.

In order to provide his ownership, Abraham “buys” it again from Abimelech by offering seven lambs. The two parties are satisfied, and having secured friendship separate from one another.

Abraham worships the LORD, and the chapter concludes. But we see several opportunities for learning in this section.

First, Abraham makes an accusation without making an inquiry. He assumes that Abimelech knows about the situation, and this could have turned out much worse. Questions are always the better choice than accusations. We simply do not know what people think, say, or do. We have all experienced saying something and meaning it one way, and it coming across to the person in a completely different manner.

Second, Abraham makes efforts to bridge the division. Followers of Christ, above all others, should be soldiers of peace. We should make every effort, as Paul tells us, to be at peace with others. This includes giving up certain rights, privileges, and financial blessings. Our goal, remember, is to glorify God.

Third, Abraham continues to worship the one true and Everlasting God, even in the midst of a pagan place. Abraham was surrounded by unbelievers. Yet, God’s call was for him to live a blameless life (17:1), to worship Him alone.

Conclusions: These case studies provide us with biblical examples of how Believers must learn to navigate the rebellious world, while living for His glory, as they embrace and enjoy the promises of God. Our response would be to learn from them!