Hagar

Greetings on this sunny morning,
I hope you are all well. I talked with Betty and she caught me up "on things". Always glad to hear how you all are doing. Chuck comes home today! He's meeting with a man who's a business leader in the community to get some idea's and possible make some connections. Please pray. Thanks!!
In today's blog, there are two scripture references, so I'm going to profile one today and another next week. Today's is Genesis 16:7-13. Please read the whole chapter and join me.....
This is a really sticky time in Abram and Sarai's life. In order to get the whole story, you really need to go back a couple of chapters. Basically, after Sarai gave Hagar to Abram to bear a child, Hagar then acquired an attitude. Sarai then blamed Abram and he wimped out and told Sarai to do with Hagar as she pleased. Thus, we find Hagar in the wilderness and the angel of the LORD talking with her.
Notice that the angel doesn't ask Hagar why she's running away. Also notice that the angel of the LORD tells her:"I will increase your descendants". From past teaching I've learned that when you see the phrase: angel of the LORD (LORD all in caps) it's talking about Jesus, the pre incarnate Jesus.
He knows why she's running away. Only He can increase her descendants. But, what needs to be noticed here is that she talks with Him directly. She didn't have to use a priest, Abram or some other way. It was direct. We have this same privilege today. We can talk with God anytime that we want. He desires it, longs for it, covets it.
Also notice that He answers her prayer, even though she didn't ask for anything. But what's wonderful is that she knows who God is. Obviously when Abram shared about his fellowship/relationship with God, Hagar was listening.
The Arab nation today began with Ismael. Notice that in verses 11-12 that his would always be a waring nation, just as we see today. So, when people pray for peace between the Arab's and the Jews, it will never be, here on earth that is.
For any Arab and/or Jew that trusts Christ as Savior, they will have peace together for eternity. Isn't that wonderful? NO war in eternity, just God's wonderful all abiding peace. Can't wait! The earth is groaning, can you hear it?

Listening to Him,
Sandy