November 16, 2022

Passage Read: Genesis 13-16
Meditation Verses: 16:8-9

Thought

The Lord knew full well that Ishmael would not inherit Abram's promise; He would reckon Abram's descendants through Isaac, not Ishmael. He could have let Hagar continue to wander with Ishmael, taken care of them and fulfilled His promise to her son. But instead, He told her to return and submit to Sarai. Despite the complications and bad feelings it would generate, God wanted Hagar to return and submit to her mistress. Perhaps it was so that Abram and Sarai would have to suffer consequences for their lack of faith and human attempt at helping God fulfill His promise. But for sure, this seems to illustrate how strongly God values submission and obedience. He is not offended by slavery, but expects all people everywhere to learn to submit to whomever rules over them.

Application

In a very real sense, I am a slave to God, whether I accept that or not. I must submit to Him in everything; my life is entirely in His hands. He is free to do with me whatever He desires. I exist for His pleasure and purposes, not my own. I am doubly bought, once by right of creation and a second time by right of redemption through Christ. I am not my own master. I have no right to try to control my fate. I am obligated to do all that the Lord asks of me and to submit to whatever way He wants to use me. Because in truth, He is a very good master, and the more obedient and committed to doing His will I am, the greater will be my reward at His hand.