Genesis 21

Genesis 21 verse 1 - 14
Read Galatians 4 verses 21 - end.

A conflict of interests.  Isaac was born into the home, he was the son of promise.  Ishmael was also present in the home.  He was the offspring of impatience and disobedience.  Sarah realised they needed to cast Hagar and her son out of the home for real joy to come back into their lives.  Remember when Nehemiah was told by God to go down to the city of Jerusalem and build up the walls again.  The enemy was watching all that was going on.  They mocked the work Nehemiah was involved in.  The natural meets the spiritual. 

Sarah saw a crisis that was impending.  Sarah had the spirit of discernment.  Honesty had to be produced in this situation.  Eve never thought when she handled the fruit and took a bite, when she offered it to Adam what would be the result.  Achan never thought when he took the Babylonian garment that the situation would ruin his family and family circle.  He was judged and stoned as a result of that.

A challenge that is imposed.  By casting Ishmael out they thought everything would be ok.  It caused hurt to Abraham, he recognises the situation as wrong.  We have to open us to things before God can put them right.

A confirmation that is important.  God confirmed what Sarah said to be correct.  God promised that Ishmael would become a great nation too.  Abraham rose early in the morning, he provided Hagar with good and transport and sent them on their way.