Abram’s first wife was Sarai, however, because she could not bear any children she allowed her handmaid Haggar to also have him as a wife. This way she could have children through her. However, before Ishmael was born, Sarai despised her and treated her very badly. It got to a point where she fled to a remote place. This is when the Lord, who I believe is Jesus, appeared unto Haggar. You will see why as we read these verses. It reads, “and the angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai. And the angel of the Lord said unto her, return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands. And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.” (Genesis 16:7-10) So who is the only one capable of multiplying her seed? It is the Lord God Almighty. As we learned in previous chapters, the Lord also said this to Abram. No angel could do this, but God.
What we hear next from the Lord is similar to what Gabriel said to Mary when she found out she would be giving birth to the Messiah, who is Christ the Lord. This is why some people have speculated that this is Gabriel, who is an archangel of God. Now, let’s read to find out if what he said is similar to what Gabriel told Mary. It reads, “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. And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?” (Genesis 16:11-13) This appearance is very reminiscent to the message Gabriel gave unto Mary and also Joseph. The difference being that this “angel of the Lord” is really no angel after all. If Jesus is the creator of all things heaven and earth, then He appeared unto Haggar and also told her that He would multiply her seed. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will learn to seek Your face, even when times are very hard. In these times, it is easy to want to give up and sit and soak in our tears. I have done this before and am glad that I now confide in You for strength and encouragement. You hear my cries and continually come and wipe away all my tears and sorrow. Thank You, Jesus. This is hard to come back at times from other people and am so happy to know that You care so deeply for my life. I may only be one in a billion people on earth and You still hear me. This is so amazing. I love You so much, God. There is something about the way You speak to my soul that makes me feel like I have worth. You see potential in me and that is so awesome. Lord, it is my desire to do Your will and not the will of my flesh. Keep me in Your presence that I may be holy as You are holy. I love You more than anything else in this life. Nothing compares to You. I trust in You, God. Lead me now and all the rest of my days. Amen.
