Sensing a threat to Isaac in Ishmael‘s mockery, Sarah requests that Abraham
cast out Hagar and Ishmael, that they may not interfere with herson‘s inheritance. - P62
God assures Abraham that this is the
proper thing to do in light of His promise,
even though Abraham‘s fatherly affection
causes him to worry. This command may
seem harsh to us, yet when werealize that God promises to also make a nation of Ishmael, we becomeaware of the bountiful nature of God‘s unmerited favor. - P62
He shows grace both to those who have
received His promises of redemption and
those who have not.
- P62
Ultimately, every seeming unfairness
reminds us that we deserve nothing good
from God, yet He grants grace to all His
fallen image-bearers,
both salvific and common. - P62
When Hagar runs out of water, she expects the worst. She cannot bear to see
her son die of thirst so she places him
at a distance. - P62
As she cries tears of despair,
God hears the voice of her son, meets
their present needs, and guarantees
their future, promising that Ishmael will become a great nation. God fulfills His word
and remains with Ishmael as he grows up. - P62
This is not a one-time blessing;
God watches over Ishmael continuously
even though he is outside His covenant. - P62
This is a clear picture of God‘s unfathomable mercy.
He takes care of us, not becauseof who we are or what we can do for Him, but because of His graciousand compassionate
heart. - P62
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