Abram had a promise of a son. However, time is running out on the biological clock. So Sarai sought a solution: her maid! “Here, husband, sleep with my maid. That’s where the son of promise will come from.” What a crazy idea! And it turned out to be just that: crazy. Sarai offered her maid as a substitute wife, and once she conceived, Hagar the maid hated Sarai. Why would Abram agree to this? He should have trusted God. After the promise, the favor, the visitation at Abram’s offering to God, why did Abram not trust God? Why do any of us not trust God? Why do we settle for substitutes? We are human, but we serve a powerful God. Why not reject substitutes and trust God’s plan? While Sarai may have had good intentions, she started a tension that has lasted throughout the ages. Ishmael, her son, eventually had descendents that formed the Islamic faith. Being a son of Abraham has given Muslims the sense of validation that makes them as devout and convinced as any member of any religion on earth. The conflict between Islam and Judaism and Christianity is still raging today!
Another substitution: the names of Abram and Sarai. Let’s look first at Sarai being changed to Sarah. While the meaning of each spelling is supposedly identical, it is proposed that the ai at the end of Sarai was an unusual ending in the Hebrew for a feminine name. ah was a more feminine form. Perhaps this was God’s way of saying that Sarah was going to be more of a motherly name, a feminine, nurturing name. Also, the name change,although not specifically changing the meaning, brings attention to the meaning of the name, “princess.” This is God’s way of establishing that she would be the mother of a nation! Also, Abram’s name (Abram – Exalted Father) was changed to Abraham (Father of a multitude). This designation further establishes the promise that Abraham would be the father of a great nation, innumerable!
Submission is never easy for humans. Although some can submit without a great deal of trouble, others must develop the skills. Hagar, the mother of Ishmael, was liking in a submissive role in the house of Abraham. She struggled with this once her son came into play, and was wont to remain in the house. Once she heard from God, though, she was able to return and submit. A powerful lesson for all of us if we will hear.
The third item of interest in these chapters is the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. While there had already been a promise and an epiphany as a result of Abraham’s sacrifice, God asked for Abraham to respond with a sign. That sign has been observed throughout Jewish history and reminds the nation of its special relationship with God. That sign is circumcision. A seemingly unnecessary surgical procedure, but one that many Christian families have adopted as well. While it may have some hygienic applications, there is no medical reason to perform a circumcision on a child. It is deemed a matter of preference for most families today. However, as we will learn in New Testament Scriptures much later, physical circumcision is certainly not enough to establish covenant with Almighty God. Circumcision is simply, like Baptism, Communion, and Footwashing, an outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace.
While the Jews are proud of their sign, they should be even more thankful for the covenant is represents. Like with any covenantal sign or vow or pledge to God, the sign should never rise to the level of importance that the covenant itself occupies. Our relationship with God is brought to our attention by the reminders of baptism, communion, and footwashing, but the relationship with God is always the primary issue. Keep the relationship as vibrant and special as you do the reminders of it!
Devoted To You 