Genesis 21 In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: I. The outcast. As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. He was an impudent boy, who mocked his betters, and became "a wild ass of a man," whose hand was against every man. Do not d... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 21:15 In this hidden well, which Ishmael's prayer uncovered, lies many a true lesson, if only we have the right sort of pitcher to dip and draw. I. How came the well to be there, just where and when it was wanted? The Arab shepherds who dug it never meant it for wandering travellers, but f... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 21:17 A minister once said to a boy, "Can you pray? How did you pray?" He said, "Sir, I begged." He could not have used a better word: praying is begging of God. Prayer is very much like a bow. The arrow is a promise; the string is faith. You use your faith; with your faith you send a prom... [ Continue Reading ]