FEB 20
2 Chronicles 19:1-2, Genesis 16:1-16
Memorise Proverbs 3:5-6
“And lean not unto thine own understanding”

In the previous chapter the Lord affirmed the covenant with Abram, promising that he would indeed have a son of his own seed, and that He alone would be the one to bring it to pass. By faith, Abram did believe in that promise. However, the fact of the matter was, there was still no son! His wife Sarai, who was already 75 years old, then proposed a seemingly viable solution – that he should take her handmaid Hagar as a second wife, and bear a child through her instead. This seemed practical and logical, and in line with God’s plan. It would still be a child from his seed, and would circumvent the problem of his wife being way past childbearing age. Furthermore, it was customary and culturally acceptable in those days that the handmaid of the wife could serve as a sort of a surrogate mother. The child that came from her womb would be considered as the child of the wife and not the handmaid.

However, just because it was culturally acceptable did not make it right in the eyes of God. It was certainly an adulterous act, and one that was not in line with God’s will. Although Abram was sincerely trying to fulfil God’s plan, he was impatient and tried to do things his own way. He followed man’s wisdom, listening to the voice of his wife and not the voice of God, and what resulted was a sinful solution. He had forgotten God’s assurance to him that He alone would be responsible for fulfilling His covenant, and that he did not need to worry.

This single mistake resulted in a life of heartache and headache for Abram, and also the nation of Israel. Soon, Hagar conceived, and became proud, thinking that as the mother of Abram’s child, she was now above Sarai, and she despised her mistress (Genesis 16:4). The feud that ensued between the two women caused Hagar to run away, and the Angel of the LORD had to appear to Hagar to call her to return to Abram, assuring her that her son would also have a multitude of descendants. Yet there would be conflict between his descendants and his brethren’s, though they would live as neighbours. This prophecy continues to ring true till today, as seen in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Israel and the Arab nations.

Thought: What is my wisdom, compared to God’s wisdom?

Prayer: Lord, may You help me to always trust You with all my heart, and never to lean unto my own understanding.