Hagar and Ishmael

Genesis 16

God promised heirs to Abram on the night of that wonderful vision,
But as so often happens to man, he accepted a devilish revision.
Instead of resting in God’s promise displaying patience and trust,
Sarai thought she would help the Lord, much to His disgust.

She suggested that her maid, should become Abram’s wife,
Another example of human wisdom fraught with peril and strife.
In his desire to make her happy, Abram unwisely consented.
Because of his failure to trust in God, millions have been tormented.

Hagar conceived and Sarai thought a child she could name,
But the dynamics of their relationship would never be the same.
Hagar grew proud when she conceived, her mistress she despised.
Thus Sarai hated the arrogance she saw in Hagar’s eyes.

Because of harsh treatment forced upon her, Hagar ran away.
She took the wilderness road to Shur walking all the way.
God’s mighty angel found her there exhausted by the spring;
Said it was right for her to obey her mistress in everything.

The Angel shared a Word from God that she would bear a son;
That he would be a wild man, at war with everyone.
So Hagar obeyed heaven’s instruction; returned to Abram’s home,
But terrible sorrow and destruction came from the seed he had sown.

Everyone has an Ishmael, the sins and misdeeds they’ve sown.
Ishmael brings sorrow, misery, and strife destroying many homes.
We find here a lesson we should learn, so learn it if you can:
Listen first to the Word of the Lord and reject the wisdom of man.

© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved