Old Testament Genesis 20:1-22:24
New Testament Matthew 7:15-29
Psalm 9:1-12
Proverbs 2:16-22
The Father Who Hears.
In Genesis 20 we are introduced to another king named Abimelech, which means “My father [is] king.” This was probably a title passed down rather than a personal name, similar to Pharaoh. Abraham’s faith falters again out of fear of man. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” Yet here we read about God’s abundant mercy again toward the innocent and the guilty. Abimelech is innocent and the Lord prevents him from sinning (Gen 20:6). Abraham the guilty one, who in this incident, fears God more than man and makes excuses for his lie is showered with gifts from Abimelech (Gen 20:14-16). It seems very strange to read about disobedient Abraham being blessed. God is a perfect Father/Judge who knows how to best treat his children based on their maturity level, the circumstances, and His long term purposes. The Judge of all the earth will do what is just (Gen 18:25).
Next the scriptures declare the birth of the promised baby for the aged Abraham and Sarah. Isaac is born exactly as the Lord had promised. The birth of Isaac causes the rivalry between Sarah and Hagar to reignite. Ishmael, the son of Abraham and the Egyptian servant Hagar, is about fifteen to sixteen years old and he is seen by Sarah to be mocking Isaac and family as they were celebrating his Isaac’s weaning. It is very inappropriate, but pretty typical of a teenager. Sarah is very upset and tells Abraham to send Hagar and her son Ishmael away and God confirms to Abraham this is what he is to do (Gen 21:10-12).
Hagar is sent out into the wilderness with her son. They become weak and weary when their initial water supply runs out. Hagar prepares for the death of her son. Hagar’s internal grief produces loud crying and a river of tears. Ishmael also begins to cry out, although we are not sure if it is because of thirst or his own grief as he hears his mother cry. The God the Father intercedes in the situation and the angel of God tells Hagar not to fear for God has heard the voice of the boy. The angel tells her to get up and grab the boy because he is going to become a great nation. As she obeys this word from God, all of a sudden she sees what was nearby all along, a well of water. They drink and continue living the life of exiles, but God was with them.
In the most desperate of times and in the most desperate conditions rest assured the Father hears. The Bible tells us even when we are so overwhelmed with emotion and are unable to voice a word the Spirit intercedes and the Father hears.
Romans 8:26–27 26
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27
And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Back in Genesis 16 Hagar learns that God is a Father who sees her in a time of great difficulty and now she learns God is a Father who hears in a time of utter desperation.
What is the conclusion?
Romans 8:28 28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.