Genesis 16:5-6

New International Version

Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the Lord judge between you and me.”

“Your slave is in your hands,” Abram said. “Do with her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so, she fled from her.

For Meditation

Hagar did not ask for any of this. She was a humble domestic worker in a godly home. Her mistress asked for help, and she obliged. Whether Hagar liked or hated her mistress’ command is speculative and irrelevant, but the brewing controversy is not.

That is how many of our problems come about. Sometimes situations thrust us into uncomfortable, unexpected situations? Many young people have fallen victim and are struggling against the tide. Trusted people called them to help in situations that ensnared them. Over time, they enjoy the habit. They act the part as if in control, yet they are bluffing.

Pharaoh gave Hagar to Abraham. She became a trusted servant to Sarah, and her faith in Abraham’s God grew until Sarah made the proposition (Genesis 16:2).

Temptation stalks faith wherever it flourishes. Its goal and desire is to deceive the undiscerning into a dance on the world’s stage. Hagar is now a surrogate wife, confronting the temptation to scorn Sarah. Now, more than a housekeeper, she became a treasure to Abraham. Can you relate?

Abraham did not disappoint in this role. His quick acceptance of Sarah’s offer could be suspect. Could he not have reasoned with Sarah as the torchbearer of faith and the promise? Didn’t Adam suffer the same dilemma as Eve (Genesis 3)? Come on! You, too, have your story despite your bravado. Confess your weakness and free yourself from the Samson tragedy (Judges 16:4-19; Prov. 19:9, 19). Imagine the old Patriarch Abraham, under nagging Sarah, determined to make things work for her.

Hagar conceives, and Sarah blames Abraham for her servant’s joy (5). If Abraham was that fruitful, why not with her? Not wanting to drag the conflict with explanations that would fall on stony grounds, Abraham said: “She [Hagar] is your servant. Do to her what you wish” (v6).

Have you ever tried to avoid an argument with your spouse only to get yourself into further trouble? Instead of taking responsibility for her actions, Sarah employed a high-handed approach with Hagar (6b).

How did the entire episode affect Hagar’s respect for the couple? What is the effect of our words and actions in our homes and offices as Christian managers (James 1:19-20)? What message do they carry to our subordinates concerning our faith?

Hagar runs away, setting out on the road back to Egypt. Jesus got it right with the Pharisees. They traveled long distances to win a single convert and spun them into candidates for hell (Matthew 23:15). Could there be a better watchword for evangelism and discipleship (1 Timothy 4:16)?

One poor judgment could destroy every pleasant image we have built with others, especially, unbelievers.

Pray with Me.

Deliver us from ourselves, O Lord, and help us to accept the consequences of our actions and deal with them before your throne of grace. In Jesus’precious name, amen!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com