Genesis 21:8-21 (NRSV)
Read Genesis 21:8-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 8The child grew, and was weaned; and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.
Verse 9But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, playing with her son Isaac. Verse 10So she said to Abraham, "Cast out this slave woman with her son; for the son of this slave woman shall not inherit along with my son Isaac." Verse 11The matter was very distressing to Abraham on account of his son. Verse 12But God said to Abraham, "Do not be distressed because of the boy and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you. Verse 13As for the son of the slave woman, I will make a nation of him also, because he is your offspring."
Verse 14So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed, and wandered about in the wilderness of Beer-sheba. Verse 15When the water in the skin was gone, she cast the child under one of the bushes. Verse 16Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot; for she said, "Do not let me look on the death of the child." And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. Verse 17And God heard the voice of the boy; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, "What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid; for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Verse 18Come, lift up the boy and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make a great nation of him." Verse 19Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. She went, and filled the skin with water, and gave the boy a drink. Verse 20God was with the boy, and he grew up; he lived in the wilderness, and became an expert with the bow. Verse 21He lived in the wilderness of Paran; and his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt.
Devotion
I spent many years mentoring at-risk youth. During this time, unfortunately, I heard many stories of youth who had been kicked out of their families. That experience is traumatizing for kids. Isolation from their families causes them to feel worthless, unlovable, and alone. This is what happens to Hagar and Ishmael in the Genesis story. They are kicked out of their home and wander the desert feeling alone and unwanted.
The good news for Hagar and Ishmael and the youth I mentored is that isolation from human community does not also mean isolation from God. God is with each of us in our deserts. And God guides us to new communities to surround us with love and support. Hagar and Ishmael found a new community out of Egypt, and the youth I served found the support of a mentoring program. While the pain of our separation might never leave us, we know that God never leaves us, but loves us no matter what.
Prayer
Holy God, be our family when we feel isolated. Remind us daily that we are loved, we are worthwhile and we are not alone. Amen.