Genesis 16-17: Impatience & Intervention - Hagar & Ishmael

Genesis shares about Abram’s impatience with God’s glorious promise and Sarai’s indignation toward God, Abram, then her servant Hagar. This leads them to take matters into their own hands, break their marital vows, and try to fulfill God’s promise in their own way. This leads to both the birth of Ishmael, and great injustice done toward Hagar. But as Hagar leaves this sordid scenario, God intervenes: He promises provision and protection as Hagar returns, and he gives Abram and Sarai a second chance, and renews his promise despite their sin. In a strange story of twisted family dynamics, we see and the good news of Jesus (who may have been the ‘messenger’ who met Hagar). And we see poignant examples of God’s grace, mercy, lavish love, and blessing — offered even to a family who didn’t deserve it… just like us.

If you’re following Salt + Light’s journey through Genesis, Nicole picked up the story after a six-week pause to celebrating the resurrection & baptisms. Here’s her teaching on Genesis 14-15.