What does God's command to "lift up the boy" teach about divine intervention? Setting the Scene: Genesis 21:15-20 “Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” (Genesis 21:18) • Hagar and Ishmael are out of water and near death in the wilderness of Beersheba (vv. 15-16). • God hears the boy’s cries, sends His angel, and speaks directly to Hagar (v. 17). • The command comes with an immediate promise of future greatness for Ishmael (v. 18). Key Observations about the Command • Imperative action: “Get up…lift up.” God calls Hagar to move, not remain passive. • Maternal partnership: the Lord invites Hagar to participate in the rescue of her own son. • Assurance of survival: lifting the boy presupposes he will live. • Covenant continuity: the promise to Abraham in Genesis 17:20 is reiterated—God’s word stands. • Divine initiative: Hagar did not find water; God opened her eyes (v. 19). What It Reveals about Divine Intervention • Timely rescue—never late: Psalm 46:1; John 11:40-44. • Hearing precedes help: “God heard the voice of the boy” (v. 17); cf. Exodus 3:7. • Human obedience is enlisted but not decisive: the miracle (water, future nation) is solely God’s work. • Compassionate character: Isaiah 49:15—He cannot forget a child in distress. • Faith-building: each intervention confirms His faithfulness, encouraging trust in future promises. Supporting Scriptures • Genesis 16:13—Hagar names the LORD “El Roi,” the God who sees. • Psalm 34:17-18—He delivers the righteous and is near the brokenhearted. • Matthew 6:26—God cares for sparrows; how much more for His children. • Romans 4:21—fully convinced God is able to do what He has promised. Lessons for Believers Today • Expect God’s involvement when circumstances appear hopeless. • Move in obedience even when strength feels depleted—He supplies what is lacking (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Parental intercession matters; God hears children’s cries and parents’ pleas alike. • Anchor hope in God’s unbreakable promises, not immediate surroundings. • Remember every rescue points to the greater deliverance secured in Christ, who lifts us from death to life (Ephesians 2:4-6). |
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