"Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven and said to her, 'What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is.'"
God still hears us today; when we're low, depressed, or just needing His closeness. And, God will fill our need in His way. For Hagar, it was reassurance that Ishmael will go on to be father to a great nation. For us, it might simply be that we will be a father to a great child. Whatever God has in store for us, we can take refuge in that knowing it's the perfect thing for us, because it's what God wants for us.
Abraham's faith was put to the ultimate test by God when He told him in Genesis 22:2, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I shall tell you."
Quite an incredible thing to ask of God's greatest prophet it seems. However, it's interesting that Abraham did this without hesitation because he knew that life comes from and belongs to God. It's only a loan to us, and we are first protected by our parents, then we protect ourselves, then we protect the children that God gives to us. At any point in time God may ask for its return.
But, we all know the outcome with Abraham and Isaac. At the fateful moment, God intervened and said to Abraham in Genesis 22:12,
"Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only one from Me."
God continued to bless Abraham abundantly for his obedience and faithfulness. God does so today; fortunately, He doesn't ask for us to offer our children as burnt offerings as that would be a very, very hard test for me to pass.
A bit of a switch in subject, but clearly applicable to us today, is how Abraham conducted business in a public transaction. After Sarah died, he purchased land for her burial and we read in Genesis 23:9,
"Let him give it to me at the full price, as property for a burial place among you."
Abraham was in the land of Canaan, and the only way to ensure smooth relations was to be fair and square in his transactions with the residents of the land. He did this in public at the gates before the elders of the city. Even though the property owner was willing to give it to him, Abraham recognized the potential for discord that could arise by hard feelings, a need to be a bond servant, and the like. Abraham showed a clear reason why we should take responsibility for our needs and treat others fairly.
Psalms gives a good summary for today with showing how God is willing to help us in our needs, but we must be willing to be obedient and must love Him unconditionally. The Psalmist sums it up in Psalms 107:43,
"Whoever is wise will observe these things, And they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord."
Blessings to all
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