Bishop Keith Butler
Feb 2
And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction. And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. (Genesis 16:11-12)
At the moment described in Genesis 16:11-12, Hagar's difficulty, worry, and betrayal transformed into a beacon of hope. The name Ishmael itself, meaning God hears, shows that she knows the Lord was attentive to her cries of distress.
Yet, the very next verse presents us with a paradox. Ishmael's legacy was described this way: And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. This is a prophecy of strife that Ishmael and his descendants would have with their Jewish brethren for the rest of time.
Historically, we recognize the profound implications of this prophecy. The reference to wild man hints at a people fiercely passionate, deeply rooted in their hate, and constantly fighting regardless of what is at stake. The subsequent mention of Ishmael's descendants, particularly in the context of the Muslim community—comprising both Shiite and Sunni factions—sheds light on the centuries-old conflicts and alliances that have shaped our world. Their history, marked by battles not only with the Jewish people but also amongst themselves, is a testament to what God prophesied eons ago.
We should focus on Hagar’s revelation, not just Ishmael’s descendants’ conflicts. God hears our affliction. He speaks in the middle of our trouble, and He always has a plan to redeem. If we will quiet the noise around us and simply listen, we will hear the voice that leads us out of our trouble.
When you pray, listen. Yes, God hears you when you pray, but He also desires to speak to you to lead you through the challenge. Quiet the noise around you and take the time to listen.