Bible
Reading: Jan 6: Gen
16-17; Matt 5:27-48
In
this text we see Sarah, with the consent of Abraham, who sought to work out the
fulfillment of the promise through their own ingenuity. Hagar became arrogant
toward Sarah and she became bitter and abusive toward Hagar; so she dealt
harshly with Hagar so that she will flee out of her own volition. When they
took this decision, they did not ask counsel of the Lord; they forgot the
almighty power of God. Passionate people at times lay blames on others, for
things which they are to blame. Sarah gave her maid to Abraham, yet she cries
out, my wrong be upon you. Hagar too had to bear her suffering patiently
because she was the first to provoke her mistress (1 Pet 2:20). The Angel of
the Lord told Hagar to return to Sarah after she fled, and also to submit to her.
If she did that, her son Ishmael will make a great nation. Hagar obeyed and
bravely return to the house of Abraham and submitted to her mistress, Sarah.
Some people run from the Christian or God fearing homes into sin just like
Hagar. The question she received from the angel could come from our conscience
or by providence. “Where have you come? And where will you go?” Are you running
from the blessing you received from Abraham’s home to the idol worship of
Egypt? Knowing who we are and where we come may teach us our duty. Considering
where we’ll go, discovers our danger and misery. Note the declaration of the
angel; “I will,” shows this Angel was the eternal word and son of God. She
returned and by her behavior softened Sarah, and received more gentle treatment
from Sarah.
God
now makes a covenant with Abraham, and his generations. The time limitation for
the covenant was until the generations of Israel ended, which they did in
Christ (Gal 3:26-29). So the “everlasting covenant” was “everlasting” only
until its fulfillment. The covenant was terminated when it was fulfilled. So
“everlasting” here does not mean “without end”; but to the time of existence
until the intended point of completion. The same is true of the everlasting
possession whose fulfillment was at its purpose of preserving Israel at the
coming of the messiah. So is the completion of their right to the land. The
sign (token) of this covenant was circumcision which Abraham and all who were
in his house were to take. If one refused circumcision, he was cut off from the
promises of the covenant (Ro 2:28,29). Even Ishmael was circumcised. The
outward sign is for the visible church; the inward seal of the spirit which is
known only by God, is peculiar to those whom God knows to be believers. When
god steps into our lives He changes everything. He changed Abram to Abraham and
Sarai to Sarah; as they received the promise. Abraham circumcised his house
hold the same day. When you receive god’s command, there is no time to delay.
Abraham showed great joy; he laughed when god gave him the promise because he
was delighted, not of distrust. So Abraham rejoiced to see Christ’s day; now he
saw it and was glad (John 8:56).Jesus said this to the Jews as he taught them.
In
Mt 5:27, he also addressed the wrong interpretation of the Jews on adultery.
The old Testament penalty for adultery was death by stoning (Lv 20:10; Dt 22:22-27).
Jesus address the heart again. He does not condemn the look of admiration and
affection, but the lustful look with the intent to commit an adulterous sexual
act (Jb 31:1; Pv 6:25; Gal 5:16; 1Pet 2:11). He goes on to give vivid
illustrations to control the lust of the flesh at all cost. Jesus also
addressed them on marriage knowing that they are under a different covenant,
but divorcing for many reasons as in the days of Moses. He says marriage to one
who is unjustly put away by divorce is marriage to an adulterated person and
it’s same for marriage with one with whom a marriage contract has been broken.
He makes it clear that the only valid cause for divorce among those who are in
covenant relationship with God is fornication.
Making
oaths is for degenerate people who are dishonest and cannot keep their words.
So he wants Christians to live such a character of life that whatever the Christian
says should be understood as truth (James 5:12). If he makes promises, it
should be assumed that he will keep his promise. Marriage vows are not oaths,
but commitments or engagements. Swearing in courts of justice by God’s word or
His name is not called for. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no. addressing
the law of retaliation, Jesus made them know they have to suffer any injury
that can be born, for the sake of peace, committing your concerns to the Lord’s
keeping. Christians must avoid disputing and striving. About neighbors he says
we must do all the real kindness we can to all, especially to their souls. Not only
to neighbors as of Jewish concept; which was understood as country men, those
of the nation and religion, whom they were pleased to look upon as their
friends. We must pray for all and render good for evil. We must study to
conform ourselves to the example of our heavenly Father (1 Pet 1:15,16).
Prayer: our heavenly Father, I thank you because you’ll never abandon
me or leave me. You expect more from us, but you always accompany us so that we
do not fall. Sustainer of my life, I worship you and pray that you make
yourself known to those you have chosen that they may rejoice in being and
living in your presence. Have your way in my life Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen
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