When I Cry to the Lord
Tony E Dillon Hansen
Reflection based upon Genesis 21:8-22, Psalm 86, Matthew 10: 24-39
Opening prayer
The story of Hagar and Ishmael is a story heard through the ages of how people (mistresses, princesses or slaves) can be thrown out on a whim. This is simply how people can be cruel to each other.
What was it that caused Sarah to feel so threatened by Hagar and her son? Why couldn’t she be one with peace, love and welcome? No, instead, she allows ego to rule. She is the purveyor of injustice and insists on them leaving. So Abraham, gets a thing of water and some bread with not so much as a pat on the back and sends them out…
They are sent away into the bush. No “thank you”, no “nice to meet you” no “let us know how it goes” even. Just away with you. This interpretation (midrash) reading aligns with Wilda C. Gafney's Womanist Midrash
Then, suddenly like that, life is flipped for these two.There is no place to call home and no shelter to take. What did they do to deserve this?
In this cruelty, when the water has run out, and it feels like no place to go and no one to help, It is there that Hagar does something. She cries and the cry is heard.
God in great response says, "be not afraid for your son is to lead a nation..." Not bad, but what about now. They still are out of water which makes worse the stress of being thrown out by Abraham and Sarah
Ishmael is to become the head of a nation called the Ishmaelites. This is generally where Arabs and Islam find roots.Yes, they are nation rooted in God as well. The place where Hagar and Ishmael go and find a well of water, according to the Quran, is Mecca.
When Ishmael cries and when Hagar cries to the Lord, despite all that has transpired, the Lord answers.
This is a reminder and why we pray Psalms like 86 because in the moments when we just can’t take anymore, when we have had enough, or we just don’t know what next to do. Those moments are when we can cry to the Lord, and the ears will perk up, and the Lord will respond.
We are not left alone. Hagar learns this, you know it. Life with God isn’t always easy, but you are worthy. Cry to the Lord this day and be heard.
That Beloved is…
Thanks Be to God
