Through Genesisনমুনা

PROMISE & HURRY

God promised Abraham that he would have a son. Abraham tried helping God by choosing to act on his wife's advice of having a child with her slave, which was a common practice those days. Sarah realized her mistake once she found Hagar was pregnant and was despised by her. Sarah responded by ill-treating her.

An important lesson here is to take responsibility for our actions. Sarah, when she is despised by her slave, blames Abraham. Did Sarah forget it was her idea? Now Abraham kind of washes his hands saying it’s your slave, do what you think is best with her. He agreed and committed the act which caused this sticky situation.

An important warning: Wives, be careful of the advice you give your husbands. You will be held responsible for it. Husbands, take responsibility for your actions. Both husbands and wives will have to reap the consequence of their actions, be it good or bad.

Now in all this Hagar too gets her share of punishment for despising her mistress. First, she is mistreated so she runs away, but God met her and sent her back. God commanded her to submit to her mistress. Our God is a God of justice.

Another important lesson here is sometimes the consequence of our actions can create a conflict for generations to come. Imagine a world if Abraham and Sarah had waited for God’s timing.