Epic (Part 1): The Storyline of the BibleSample

Despite God’s assurances, Abram’s faith is still wavering. He and his wife, Sarai, decide Abram should have a child with Sarai’s attendant. It was acceptable at that time for a man to have a child with a female slave, especially if his wife was unable to have children. It was acceptable in the culture but not God’s plan. An angel tells Hagar that her son will live in constant conflict with his relatives; a prediction that is fulfilled in the conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors today.

When things don’t work out as we think God wants, it’s reasonable that we look for a way to get there. As long as the chosen way to get there doesn’t involve sin and is done while still trusting in God, we are us using the resources God has provided in a way that pleases God. However, pursuing a path that is wrong is never God’s way. Getting a child we are sure God wants us to have, or a relationship we know is right, or wealth we are sure we will use to accomplish things for God cannot be gotten in ways God says are wrong. The end does not justify the means.