April 21, 2025 • 27 mins
Discover the profound comfort that awaits those who mourn through the story of Hagar's plight.
In this episode, we delve into the depth of mourning and the promise of divine comfort, exploring the heart-wrenching journey of Hagar. Join us as we uncover how God's presence transforms sorrow into solace and brings hope to the brokenhearted.
Today's Bible verse is Matthew 5:4, from the King James Version.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Blest are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
Matthew five four. Dear Lord, you see us. You see
us in our highest moments of victory, but also in
our darkest moments of mourning. You've seen the depths of
(00:20):
our grief, in the gloomy moments and dark storms of life.
You offer comfort in moments of mourning, when our hearts
are heavy and our spirits are crushed. Wrap us in
the warmth of your love. Let us feel your presence
(00:41):
as a comforting embrace, reminding us that we are not
alone in our grief. You are close to the broken hearted,
a faithful friend who understands our pain and catches every
tear we shed. Grant us the grace to navigate our sorrow,
(01:05):
trusting that through the darkness of loss, your light shines
the brightest, guiding us toward healing. May we find soulas
in the community of believers, sharing in each other's burdens
and lifting each other in prayer. Transform our mourning into
(01:28):
dancing and our sorrow into joy as we cling to
the hope of eternal life with you, where every tear
will be wiped away until that day. Keep us in
the comfort of your love, secure in the promise that
(01:49):
in our mourning we are blessed, for we shall be
comforted in Jesus name. Amen. Thank you for praying with
me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast, Gospel Stories
(02:10):
told to awaken your imagination and challenge your faith. Remain
here for another episode inspired by the Sermon on the Mount.
If you want to support this podcast, share it with
a few friends. We want everyone to be impacted by
the story of Jesus. Blessed are the poor in spirit,
(02:34):
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus began with
a shout. The sea of faces leaned in, ready to
receive Jesus' words, like rain on parched earth. His voice
was steady and authoritative. He had just begun the greatest
(02:55):
sermon ever preached, an oration that would be etched upon
hearts for all eternity. He started with an encouragement, an
anthem for the poor and spirit. Those who lack in
this world would be rich in the Kingdom of God.
(03:17):
God's provision would satisfy those deprived, humble, and needy. The
wind picked up, bringing in fresh air from the coast.
It was a sign of new things to come. Jesus
continued to preach to them, saying, Blessed are those who mourn,
(03:39):
for they shall be comforted.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
When you feel forgotten, cast aside, and without hope, know
that there's a God who sees you. He knows your
every thought, and has kept every tear you've ever shed
in a bottle. We don't worship but distant God who's
far away, but a God who's near to us and
longs to embrace us. This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm
(04:09):
ethanfrompray dot Com. Welcome to another episode connecting the Sermon
on the Mount with other stories throughout the Bible. If
you haven't yet taken a moment to follow the podcast,
make sure to do so. If we've brought value to
your walk with Christ, consider supporting us by sharing it
with a friend or leaving a review. Today, we'll take
(04:31):
a look at mourning, loss and insecurity. How does God
meet us in our despair, in our searching our sorrow.
Our focus will be on Matthew chapter five, verse four,
which reads, Blest are those who mourn, for they shall
be comforted. We'll see how this profound statement finds its
(04:53):
reflection in the story of Hagar found in Genesis chapter sixteen.
We'll explore the depth of Jesis. This is promise of
comfort to those who mourn, and how we can embody
these values in our daily lives.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
The Lord had promised Abram and SARAHI a son. He
declared that their descendants would outnumber the stars in the sky.
But years had passed, and that promise seemed like a dream,
an unfulfilled and unforgotten dream. Years stacked upon themselves like
(05:31):
stones upon a tomb. Sarah's hope for conceiving a child
blew away like sand in the wind.
Speaker 3 (05:39):
Perhaps God has forgotten.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
Us, Sarah whispered beside the fire. She looked at her husband,
desperate for comfort. He didn't offer it. He was too
confused in his grief to see hers.
Speaker 3 (05:56):
Maybe this isn't the way. Maybe we need to move
god God's plans along.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Abram looked at his wife curiously. She had his attention.
Sarah rubbed her arms and looked away. She wanted him
to hold her, to tell her that it would be
all right. She wanted his adoring hands on her shoulder
and a reassuring reminder that he loved her despite being childless.
(06:28):
But instead he just stood there.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
If I can't give you a child, then maybe it's
time to take a different route. The Lord has been
silent since he gave you that promise, Abram, and I'm
tired of waiting. I'm too old to waste away waiting
for a promise that may never be fulfilled.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
Abram tilted his head to the side, examining his wife closely.
Surely she wasn't suggesting to be with another woman.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
What are you saying, uh, exactly, I'm saying that another
should carry the child in my place.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
The Lord has kept me from having children, so you
should sleep with another to fulfill his promise.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
Sarah arched her back and walked to the entrance of
the tent. She lifted the flap and pointed to her servant, Hagar.
Speaker 3 (07:19):
Hagar will do it, conceive through her and fulfill God's
promise to us.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Abram looked at Hagar drawing water from a basin to
feed the animals. She was a sleigh from Egypt, a
part of Pharaoh's gift to him. After a misunderstanding regarding Sarah,
Abraham didn't stop to consider what his wife needed. He
should have asked Sarah why she was saying these things.
(07:46):
He should have pressed further into her heart. He should
have listened to the hurt in her voice as she spoke,
But instead he jumped at the opportunity.
Speaker 4 (08:00):
Very well, my love, if this is what you want,
then I shall do it.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
It was certainly no sacrifice on Abram's part. His inattentiveness
would ultimately be his undoing. He was repeating the sins
of Adam. His wife offered him sin, and he took
it with a callous tone. Sarah shouted to.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Her servant, Hagar, come over here.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Sarah commanded Hagar to bear a child to her and Abraham.
It wasn't a request, but a demand. Hagar became a concubine,
an undefined and awkward hybrid of slave and wife. She
was given an honorable role in the family, but didn't
(08:52):
have the love and protection of marriage. She would conceive
a son, but wouldn't be his mother. That night, Abram
and Hagar conceived a child. It wasn't an act of
love or a sacred moment of divine favor. Hagar was
(09:14):
a tool of impatience and negligence. Months passed, the child
conceived within Hagar grew, However, bitterness grew along with it.
As Hagar's womb expanded with Abram's son, she had to
watch SARAHI receive love, favor, and authority within the household.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
I am the one giving him a son. Why am
I still considered a slave while she gets to lounge
at the table next to him.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
Hagar's blood boiled at her situation. She had the aches
and pains in her back, she had the nausea and
morning sickness. She had sleepless nights and tightness in her belly,
yet she wasn't even allowed to sit at the family table.
Tension between Hagar and Sarah grew with each passing day.
(10:10):
Sarah thought that the guarantee of having a child would
bring her peace, but like anyone who tries to speed
up God's plans, she felt woefully empty.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
She hates me, or worse, she thinks she's better than me.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Sarah shot Hagar a skeptical glare. Hagar returned with a
bitter eye roll and turn.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
Oh, say what you want to say, Hagar, I don't
need to say.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Anything, Hagar gestured to her pregnant belly. She scoffed and
turned her face away. Hagar's ere came from a deep
well of hurt and a sense of powerlessness. She had
been treated like an object, and now she was going
to be robbed of her child cast aside.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
I'm the one who can conceive, so why do you
get the honor of being the mother? This child is mine.
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Sarah was fuming. She thought she could create shortcuts for
God's blessing. Sarah thought that having Hagar carry her child
would satisfy the longing of her heart.
Speaker 5 (11:21):
She was wrong.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
Sarah's little experiment costs the family their sanity. Sarah stormed
into Abram's tent and began to.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
Scream, this is all your fault.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
She beat her fist against Abram's chest in frustration.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
You're responsible for the wrong I'm suffering. I put my
slave in your arms, and you just welcomed her without
any questions, didn't you? You didn't care, You didn't ask
me why some leader you are no wonder. God hasn't
given you a son. Look at the mess you've made.
She's pregnant and hates me. May God be the judge
(12:03):
between you and me.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
Sarah's anger toward Abram wasn't entirely unfounded. He shouldn't have
compromised he shouldn't have been so careless. Instead of repenting
and seeking God, Abram repeated his patterns of thoughtlessness. He
repeated the sins of many husbands, choosing swift solutions overunderstanding
(12:27):
and heartfelt curiosity.
Speaker 4 (12:29):
Don't you dare put this on me. I don't want
any part of this squabble. She's your slave. Do whatever
you think is best.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
Abram didn't consider his wife's heart or the well being
of Hagar. They both needed comfort, and Abram was too
ignorant to offer it. Sarah left the tent and grabbed
one of the goads. With frustrated tears, Sarah yelled and
swung downward at Hagar.
Speaker 3 (13:00):
Worthless, Worthless, she.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
Screamed, coupled with a blow to Hagar's face.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
I'm grateful, she.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
Yelled, aiming the goat at Hagar's legs. Sarah, I may
have been hurting Hagar, but she was angry at herself.
She knew deep down that she had done this to herself,
but instead of admitting her mistakes, she chose to lash
out at Hagar. Sarah's cruelty and insecurity collided with Hagar's
(13:37):
pride and bitterness. It was a perfect storm. Sarah frantically
swung the ox goat, breaking pots and knocking over baskets.
Speaker 3 (13:49):
Sarah, stop, get away.
Speaker 5 (13:51):
You're going to.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
Hurt my baby. Your baby, That child is mine. You
wouldn't have it if it weren't for me.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
Sarah swung again, this time hitting Hagar in the temple
and knocking her back into a pile of firewood. Sarah
stopped when she saw the blood drip down Hagar's face.
She saw her cruelty reflected in Hagar's terrified eyes. Hagar
wasted no time. She leaped to her feet and ran away, barefoot,
(14:24):
without extra clothes or water skin. Hagar fled for her life.
Sarah screamed and watched her leave. She fell to her
knees and wept. She fell into a ball on the ground. Ashamed,
(14:45):
alone and without comfort, Hagar stumbled down the jagged hill
into the sand. Her feet were torn to shreds from
the rocks, and her lips were parched.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
Thirst I'll return to Egypt. Maybe I can return to
the house of Pharaoh.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
But the back country behind Canaan was desolate. There was
no shade, and the road to sure was treacherous. In
the late stages of pregnancy. There was no guarantee she
would make it another day on the road. Hagar limped
a few miles before collapsing at a spring off the
(15:27):
beaten bath. She dipped her hand in the water and
trickled some on the back of her neck. She drank
from her palm, tears pulling from her face and into
the water.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
Oh, is there no comfort for me? Doesn't anyone see
my pain?
Speaker 1 (15:49):
Hagar had been a sleigh her whole life. She thought
following Abram would be different. She thought she was going
to be done with the cruelty of Egypt, done with
the whips and beatings. Hagar leaned her head against the
wet stone of the spring. She sighed and slowly drifted
(16:09):
to sleep.
Speaker 5 (16:14):
Hegar.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
A gentle voice awoke Hagar from her deep sleep. Hegar,
the voice said again. The voice felt familiar, but Hagar
was certain she had never heard it before. Hagar slowly
opened her eyes. The silhouette of a man against the
(16:36):
setting sun stood above her. Leaning against the stone and
looking down, he repeated her name. His voice was tender,
like the first warm breeze of spring that caresses the face,
promising new beginnings and the thawing of the coldest winters.
Speaker 5 (16:58):
Hagar, have you come from and where are you going?
Speaker 1 (17:04):
Hagar arched her back and held her belly. She wiped
her eyes and said.
Speaker 3 (17:10):
Are you running away from my mistress Sarah? I have
nowhere to go. I'm going to die here.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
The air shifted slightly around her. Hagar looked up, realizing
that it wasn't a mere man standing beside her. It
was the Lord.
Speaker 5 (17:29):
Go back to your mistress, Hagar, But what about my baby.
I will increase your descendants so much that they would
be too numerous to count.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
Hagar's eyes widened at the thought. She knew that was
one of God's promises to Abram and Sarah. Now in
the middle of the desert, Hagar was receiving a similar
blessing with a voice like the sound of rushing waters.
The Lord said to Hagar.
Speaker 5 (18:01):
You are pregnant with a son. His name shall be Ishmael.
For the Lord has heard you in your misery. The
Lord sees you. He will be a wild donkey of
a man. His hands will be against everyone, and every
one's hands against him. He will live in hostility towards
(18:25):
his brothers.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
I know Abram has a name for you. But I
have my own name for you. You are the God
who sees me.
Speaker 1 (18:35):
The Angel of the Lord smiled and nodded his head
to Hagar. The sun's golden rays fell behind the valley's edge.
As the final light faded from view, so did he.
Hagar's heart fluttered in her chest. The God of creation
(18:56):
had visited her in that lonely place. His words brought
comfort to her. Hagar's son would become a great nation.
Although struggle awaited them, there was comfort in knowing that
God saw them. They weren't forgotten and cast aside. She
(19:21):
looked around at the grass surrounding the spring.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
I have seen the one who sees me. I shall
call this place bar LEIROI.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
Hagar lifted herself and drew a few deep breaths. She
drank from the spring again to replenish her strength, then
returned to camp. She bore a son, and Abram named
him Ishmael. Years later, God would comfort Sarah in her
(19:52):
brokenness as well. She would bear the son of promise, Isaac,
which means laughter. Both women, neglected and alone, were comforted
by the presence of God. Their mourning was turned to laughter.
(20:16):
God saw them, God knew them. God redeemed them. Blest
are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. This
beatitude speaks to the heart of Jesus's message of compassion
and empathy. Mourning, in this context extends beyond grieving a loss.
(20:43):
It encompasses sorrow of her sin, suffering injustice, and the
brokenness in the world. Jesus promises here that those who
experience such sorrow in turn to God will receive divine comfort.
This comfort is not just an emotional relief, but a profound,
(21:03):
transformative assurance of God's presence and love. To be a
citizen of Heaven is to live with the character of Jesus,
feeling deeply for the pain of the world and offering
solace and hope through God's promises. Now let's turn to
the story of Hagar, found in Genesis chapter sixteen. Hagar's
(21:27):
story is one of sorrow, abandonment, and ultimately divine comfort.
Hagar was an Egyptian maid servant of SARAHI later Sarah
Abram's later Abraham's wife. When Sarah could not conceive, she
gave Hagar to Abram to bear a child. Hagar conceived,
(21:48):
but her pregnancy led to tension and conflict resulting in
Sarah and mistreating her. In her distress, Hagar fled to
the desert. In Genesis chapter sixteen, verses seven, we read
the Angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring
in the desert. It was the spring that is beside
the road to shore. And he said, Hagar, slave of Sarai,
(22:11):
where have you come from and where are you going?
I'm running away from my mistress Sarai.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
She answered. Then the Angel of the Lord told her,
go back to your mistress and submit to her. The
angel added, I will increase your descendants so much that
they will be too numerous to count. In her mourning,
Hagar encountered the Angel of the Lord, who provided her
with comfort and hope. He reassured her of God's presence
(22:37):
and promised a future for her and her son, Ishmael.
Hagar's story is a testament to God's compassion and faithfulness.
Even in her lowest moment, she found divine comfort and
strength to carry on. How can we live out the
values and truths taught in Matthew chapter five, verse four
and Hagar's story in our everyday lives? How can we
(23:01):
be those who mourn well instead of wallowing in despair. First,
we must acknowledge and embrace our sorrow. Just as Hagar
did not hide her distress, we should not shy away
from our own sorrow or the sorrow of others. Whether
it's morning of a personal loss, relational strife, or the
(23:22):
brokenness in our world. Acknowledging our pain is the first
step toward healing. I'm reminded of King David, who wasn't
just a warrior, but a poet. He knew how to
acknowledge his negative emotions. He gave them words and his
psalms of lament in Psalm twenty two, verses fourteen and fifteen,
(23:44):
David is vivid in describing his feelings. I am poured
out like water, and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax. It is melted within me.
My mouth is dried up like a pot shirt, and
my tongue sticks to the roof of myn You lay
me in the dust of death. David knew how to
(24:05):
acknowledge his feelings of pain and anguish, and he didn't
hold back. But there's a key element in sharing our
emotions and hurts. David went to God first. He wasn't
venting his feelings to any stranger who would listen. He
was going to the only one who would know his pain.
This leads us to our next point, which is to
(24:27):
seek God's comfort over man's. This doesn't mean you can't
go to loved ones when you are in need. God
has provided you with a community for a reason. But
it is Jesus who swings the tides of tragedy. It
is he who calms the storms and heals the leper.
(24:47):
Before you rush to the arms of people, feel the
embrace of your heavenly Father. Next, we are called to
trust in God's promises. What's the difference between godly mourning
and despair? One word hope. Romans Chapter five, verses three
through five says this. Not only this, but we also
(25:10):
celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance
and perseverance, proven character, and proven character. Hope and hope
does not disappoint because the love of God has been
poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who
is given to us. We don't weep as victims of tragedy.
(25:33):
We mourn as people who feel deeply but also know
that there is hope Hangar's encounter with the Angel reminds
us of God's faithfulness in our times of sorrow. We
should hold on to God's promises, knowing that He is
with us and has a plan for our future. Next,
(25:56):
we must live with empathy. We are called to be
a commune that supports one another through life's challenges. This
means creating a safe space for people to express their
grief and offering the support they need to find comfort
and hope in God. Sarah was mourning the lack of
a child and desperately needed comfort. Unfortunately, Abram was too
(26:20):
oblivious to see it. Sometimes people who suffer can't see
the suffering of others. Their hurt blinds them to the
needs of others. May this never be so with us.
Mourning for the brokenness of the world means living with
a heart of empathy. We should actively seek to understand
(26:41):
and alleviate the pain of those around us, advocating for justice, mercy,
and love in all of our interactions. As we reflect
on Jesus's words, Blessed are those who mourn, for they
shall be comforted, and the story of Hagar's divine encounter
in the desert let us embrace the depth of God's
(27:02):
comfort and extend it to others. May we, as citizens
of Heaven live with the character of Jesus, feeling deeply
for the sorrows of the world and offering the hope
and comfort that comes from our heavenly Father. Let us
pray for the strength to be both recipients and givers
(27:22):
of God's profound comfort. Thanks again for listening. If you
haven't yet followed or subscribed to our podcast, be sure
to do so. It makes sure you never miss an episode,
but it also helps us get discovered by more people.
Thanks for joining us.
Blest are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
Matthew five four. Dear Lord, you see us. You see
us in our highest moments of victory, but also in
our darkest moments of mourning. You've seen the depths of
(00:20):
our grief, in the gloomy moments and dark storms of life.
You offer comfort in moments of mourning, when our hearts
are heavy and our spirits are crushed. Wrap us in
the warmth of your love. Let us feel your presence
(00:41):
as a comforting embrace, reminding us that we are not
alone in our grief. You are close to the broken hearted,
a faithful friend who understands our pain and catches every
tear we shed. Grant us the grace to navigate our sorrow,
(01:05):
trusting that through the darkness of loss, your light shines
the brightest, guiding us toward healing. May we find soulas
in the community of believers, sharing in each other's burdens
and lifting each other in prayer. Transform our mourning into
(01:28):
dancing and our sorrow into joy as we cling to
the hope of eternal life with you, where every tear
will be wiped away until that day. Keep us in
the comfort of your love, secure in the promise that
(01:49):
in our mourning we are blessed, for we shall be
comforted in Jesus name. Amen. Thank you for praying with
me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast, Gospel Stories
(02:10):
told to awaken your imagination and challenge your faith. Remain
here for another episode inspired by the Sermon on the Mount.
If you want to support this podcast, share it with
a few friends. We want everyone to be impacted by
the story of Jesus. Blessed are the poor in spirit,
(02:34):
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus began with
a shout. The sea of faces leaned in, ready to
receive Jesus' words, like rain on parched earth. His voice
was steady and authoritative. He had just begun the greatest
(02:55):
sermon ever preached, an oration that would be etched upon
hearts for all eternity. He started with an encouragement, an
anthem for the poor and spirit. Those who lack in
this world would be rich in the Kingdom of God.
(03:17):
God's provision would satisfy those deprived, humble, and needy. The
wind picked up, bringing in fresh air from the coast.
It was a sign of new things to come. Jesus
continued to preach to them, saying, Blessed are those who mourn,
(03:39):
for they shall be comforted.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
When you feel forgotten, cast aside, and without hope, know
that there's a God who sees you. He knows your
every thought, and has kept every tear you've ever shed
in a bottle. We don't worship but distant God who's
far away, but a God who's near to us and
longs to embrace us. This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm
(04:09):
ethanfrompray dot Com. Welcome to another episode connecting the Sermon
on the Mount with other stories throughout the Bible. If
you haven't yet taken a moment to follow the podcast,
make sure to do so. If we've brought value to
your walk with Christ, consider supporting us by sharing it
with a friend or leaving a review. Today, we'll take
(04:31):
a look at mourning, loss and insecurity. How does God
meet us in our despair, in our searching our sorrow.
Our focus will be on Matthew chapter five, verse four,
which reads, Blest are those who mourn, for they shall
be comforted. We'll see how this profound statement finds its
(04:53):
reflection in the story of Hagar found in Genesis chapter sixteen.
We'll explore the depth of Jesis. This is promise of
comfort to those who mourn, and how we can embody
these values in our daily lives.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
The Lord had promised Abram and SARAHI a son. He
declared that their descendants would outnumber the stars in the sky.
But years had passed, and that promise seemed like a dream,
an unfulfilled and unforgotten dream. Years stacked upon themselves like
(05:31):
stones upon a tomb. Sarah's hope for conceiving a child
blew away like sand in the wind.
Speaker 3 (05:39):
Perhaps God has forgotten.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
Us, Sarah whispered beside the fire. She looked at her husband,
desperate for comfort. He didn't offer it. He was too
confused in his grief to see hers.
Speaker 3 (05:56):
Maybe this isn't the way. Maybe we need to move
god God's plans along.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Abram looked at his wife curiously. She had his attention.
Sarah rubbed her arms and looked away. She wanted him
to hold her, to tell her that it would be
all right. She wanted his adoring hands on her shoulder
and a reassuring reminder that he loved her despite being childless.
(06:28):
But instead he just stood there.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
If I can't give you a child, then maybe it's
time to take a different route. The Lord has been
silent since he gave you that promise, Abram, and I'm
tired of waiting. I'm too old to waste away waiting
for a promise that may never be fulfilled.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
Abram tilted his head to the side, examining his wife closely.
Surely she wasn't suggesting to be with another woman.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
What are you saying, uh, exactly, I'm saying that another
should carry the child in my place.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
The Lord has kept me from having children, so you
should sleep with another to fulfill his promise.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
Sarah arched her back and walked to the entrance of
the tent. She lifted the flap and pointed to her servant, Hagar.
Speaker 3 (07:19):
Hagar will do it, conceive through her and fulfill God's
promise to us.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Abram looked at Hagar drawing water from a basin to
feed the animals. She was a sleigh from Egypt, a
part of Pharaoh's gift to him. After a misunderstanding regarding Sarah,
Abraham didn't stop to consider what his wife needed. He
should have asked Sarah why she was saying these things.
(07:46):
He should have pressed further into her heart. He should
have listened to the hurt in her voice as she spoke,
But instead he jumped at the opportunity.
Speaker 4 (08:00):
Very well, my love, if this is what you want,
then I shall do it.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
It was certainly no sacrifice on Abram's part. His inattentiveness
would ultimately be his undoing. He was repeating the sins
of Adam. His wife offered him sin, and he took
it with a callous tone. Sarah shouted to.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Her servant, Hagar, come over here.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Sarah commanded Hagar to bear a child to her and Abraham.
It wasn't a request, but a demand. Hagar became a concubine,
an undefined and awkward hybrid of slave and wife. She
was given an honorable role in the family, but didn't
(08:52):
have the love and protection of marriage. She would conceive
a son, but wouldn't be his mother. That night, Abram
and Hagar conceived a child. It wasn't an act of
love or a sacred moment of divine favor. Hagar was
(09:14):
a tool of impatience and negligence. Months passed, the child
conceived within Hagar grew, However, bitterness grew along with it.
As Hagar's womb expanded with Abram's son, she had to
watch SARAHI receive love, favor, and authority within the household.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
I am the one giving him a son. Why am
I still considered a slave while she gets to lounge
at the table next to him.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
Hagar's blood boiled at her situation. She had the aches
and pains in her back, she had the nausea and
morning sickness. She had sleepless nights and tightness in her belly,
yet she wasn't even allowed to sit at the family table.
Tension between Hagar and Sarah grew with each passing day.
(10:10):
Sarah thought that the guarantee of having a child would
bring her peace, but like anyone who tries to speed
up God's plans, she felt woefully empty.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
She hates me, or worse, she thinks she's better than me.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Sarah shot Hagar a skeptical glare. Hagar returned with a
bitter eye roll and turn.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
Oh, say what you want to say, Hagar, I don't
need to say.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Anything, Hagar gestured to her pregnant belly. She scoffed and
turned her face away. Hagar's ere came from a deep
well of hurt and a sense of powerlessness. She had
been treated like an object, and now she was going
to be robbed of her child cast aside.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
I'm the one who can conceive, so why do you
get the honor of being the mother? This child is mine.
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Sarah was fuming. She thought she could create shortcuts for
God's blessing. Sarah thought that having Hagar carry her child
would satisfy the longing of her heart.
Speaker 5 (11:21):
She was wrong.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
Sarah's little experiment costs the family their sanity. Sarah stormed
into Abram's tent and began to.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
Scream, this is all your fault.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
She beat her fist against Abram's chest in frustration.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
You're responsible for the wrong I'm suffering. I put my
slave in your arms, and you just welcomed her without
any questions, didn't you? You didn't care, You didn't ask
me why some leader you are no wonder. God hasn't
given you a son. Look at the mess you've made.
She's pregnant and hates me. May God be the judge
(12:03):
between you and me.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
Sarah's anger toward Abram wasn't entirely unfounded. He shouldn't have
compromised he shouldn't have been so careless. Instead of repenting
and seeking God, Abram repeated his patterns of thoughtlessness. He
repeated the sins of many husbands, choosing swift solutions overunderstanding
(12:27):
and heartfelt curiosity.
Speaker 4 (12:29):
Don't you dare put this on me. I don't want
any part of this squabble. She's your slave. Do whatever
you think is best.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
Abram didn't consider his wife's heart or the well being
of Hagar. They both needed comfort, and Abram was too
ignorant to offer it. Sarah left the tent and grabbed
one of the goads. With frustrated tears, Sarah yelled and
swung downward at Hagar.
Speaker 3 (13:00):
Worthless, Worthless, she.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
Screamed, coupled with a blow to Hagar's face.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
I'm grateful, she.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
Yelled, aiming the goat at Hagar's legs. Sarah, I may
have been hurting Hagar, but she was angry at herself.
She knew deep down that she had done this to herself,
but instead of admitting her mistakes, she chose to lash
out at Hagar. Sarah's cruelty and insecurity collided with Hagar's
(13:37):
pride and bitterness. It was a perfect storm. Sarah frantically
swung the ox goat, breaking pots and knocking over baskets.
Speaker 3 (13:49):
Sarah, stop, get away.
Speaker 5 (13:51):
You're going to.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
Hurt my baby. Your baby, That child is mine. You
wouldn't have it if it weren't for me.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
Sarah swung again, this time hitting Hagar in the temple
and knocking her back into a pile of firewood. Sarah
stopped when she saw the blood drip down Hagar's face.
She saw her cruelty reflected in Hagar's terrified eyes. Hagar
wasted no time. She leaped to her feet and ran away, barefoot,
(14:24):
without extra clothes or water skin. Hagar fled for her life.
Sarah screamed and watched her leave. She fell to her
knees and wept. She fell into a ball on the ground. Ashamed,
(14:45):
alone and without comfort, Hagar stumbled down the jagged hill
into the sand. Her feet were torn to shreds from
the rocks, and her lips were parched.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
Thirst I'll return to Egypt. Maybe I can return to
the house of Pharaoh.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
But the back country behind Canaan was desolate. There was
no shade, and the road to sure was treacherous. In
the late stages of pregnancy. There was no guarantee she
would make it another day on the road. Hagar limped
a few miles before collapsing at a spring off the
(15:27):
beaten bath. She dipped her hand in the water and
trickled some on the back of her neck. She drank
from her palm, tears pulling from her face and into
the water.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
Oh, is there no comfort for me? Doesn't anyone see
my pain?
Speaker 1 (15:49):
Hagar had been a sleigh her whole life. She thought
following Abram would be different. She thought she was going
to be done with the cruelty of Egypt, done with
the whips and beatings. Hagar leaned her head against the
wet stone of the spring. She sighed and slowly drifted
(16:09):
to sleep.
Speaker 5 (16:14):
Hegar.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
A gentle voice awoke Hagar from her deep sleep. Hegar,
the voice said again. The voice felt familiar, but Hagar
was certain she had never heard it before. Hagar slowly
opened her eyes. The silhouette of a man against the
(16:36):
setting sun stood above her. Leaning against the stone and
looking down, he repeated her name. His voice was tender,
like the first warm breeze of spring that caresses the face,
promising new beginnings and the thawing of the coldest winters.
Speaker 5 (16:58):
Hagar, have you come from and where are you going?
Speaker 1 (17:04):
Hagar arched her back and held her belly. She wiped
her eyes and said.
Speaker 3 (17:10):
Are you running away from my mistress Sarah? I have
nowhere to go. I'm going to die here.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
The air shifted slightly around her. Hagar looked up, realizing
that it wasn't a mere man standing beside her. It
was the Lord.
Speaker 5 (17:29):
Go back to your mistress, Hagar, But what about my baby.
I will increase your descendants so much that they would
be too numerous to count.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
Hagar's eyes widened at the thought. She knew that was
one of God's promises to Abram and Sarah. Now in
the middle of the desert, Hagar was receiving a similar
blessing with a voice like the sound of rushing waters.
The Lord said to Hagar.
Speaker 5 (18:01):
You are pregnant with a son. His name shall be Ishmael.
For the Lord has heard you in your misery. The
Lord sees you. He will be a wild donkey of
a man. His hands will be against everyone, and every
one's hands against him. He will live in hostility towards
(18:25):
his brothers.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
I know Abram has a name for you. But I
have my own name for you. You are the God
who sees me.
Speaker 1 (18:35):
The Angel of the Lord smiled and nodded his head
to Hagar. The sun's golden rays fell behind the valley's edge.
As the final light faded from view, so did he.
Hagar's heart fluttered in her chest. The God of creation
(18:56):
had visited her in that lonely place. His words brought
comfort to her. Hagar's son would become a great nation.
Although struggle awaited them, there was comfort in knowing that
God saw them. They weren't forgotten and cast aside. She
(19:21):
looked around at the grass surrounding the spring.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
I have seen the one who sees me. I shall
call this place bar LEIROI.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
Hagar lifted herself and drew a few deep breaths. She
drank from the spring again to replenish her strength, then
returned to camp. She bore a son, and Abram named
him Ishmael. Years later, God would comfort Sarah in her
(19:52):
brokenness as well. She would bear the son of promise, Isaac,
which means laughter. Both women, neglected and alone, were comforted
by the presence of God. Their mourning was turned to laughter.
(20:16):
God saw them, God knew them. God redeemed them. Blest
are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. This
beatitude speaks to the heart of Jesus's message of compassion
and empathy. Mourning, in this context extends beyond grieving a loss.
(20:43):
It encompasses sorrow of her sin, suffering injustice, and the
brokenness in the world. Jesus promises here that those who
experience such sorrow in turn to God will receive divine comfort.
This comfort is not just an emotional relief, but a profound,
(21:03):
transformative assurance of God's presence and love. To be a
citizen of Heaven is to live with the character of Jesus,
feeling deeply for the pain of the world and offering
solace and hope through God's promises. Now let's turn to
the story of Hagar, found in Genesis chapter sixteen. Hagar's
(21:27):
story is one of sorrow, abandonment, and ultimately divine comfort.
Hagar was an Egyptian maid servant of SARAHI later Sarah
Abram's later Abraham's wife. When Sarah could not conceive, she
gave Hagar to Abram to bear a child. Hagar conceived,
(21:48):
but her pregnancy led to tension and conflict resulting in
Sarah and mistreating her. In her distress, Hagar fled to
the desert. In Genesis chapter sixteen, verses seven, we read
the Angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring
in the desert. It was the spring that is beside
the road to shore. And he said, Hagar, slave of Sarai,
(22:11):
where have you come from and where are you going?
I'm running away from my mistress Sarai.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
She answered. Then the Angel of the Lord told her,
go back to your mistress and submit to her. The
angel added, I will increase your descendants so much that
they will be too numerous to count. In her mourning,
Hagar encountered the Angel of the Lord, who provided her
with comfort and hope. He reassured her of God's presence
(22:37):
and promised a future for her and her son, Ishmael.
Hagar's story is a testament to God's compassion and faithfulness.
Even in her lowest moment, she found divine comfort and
strength to carry on. How can we live out the
values and truths taught in Matthew chapter five, verse four
and Hagar's story in our everyday lives? How can we
(23:01):
be those who mourn well instead of wallowing in despair. First,
we must acknowledge and embrace our sorrow. Just as Hagar
did not hide her distress, we should not shy away
from our own sorrow or the sorrow of others. Whether
it's morning of a personal loss, relational strife, or the
(23:22):
brokenness in our world. Acknowledging our pain is the first
step toward healing. I'm reminded of King David, who wasn't
just a warrior, but a poet. He knew how to
acknowledge his negative emotions. He gave them words and his
psalms of lament in Psalm twenty two, verses fourteen and fifteen,
(23:44):
David is vivid in describing his feelings. I am poured
out like water, and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax. It is melted within me.
My mouth is dried up like a pot shirt, and
my tongue sticks to the roof of myn You lay
me in the dust of death. David knew how to
(24:05):
acknowledge his feelings of pain and anguish, and he didn't
hold back. But there's a key element in sharing our
emotions and hurts. David went to God first. He wasn't
venting his feelings to any stranger who would listen. He
was going to the only one who would know his pain.
This leads us to our next point, which is to
(24:27):
seek God's comfort over man's. This doesn't mean you can't
go to loved ones when you are in need. God
has provided you with a community for a reason. But
it is Jesus who swings the tides of tragedy. It
is he who calms the storms and heals the leper.
(24:47):
Before you rush to the arms of people, feel the
embrace of your heavenly Father. Next, we are called to
trust in God's promises. What's the difference between godly mourning
and despair? One word hope. Romans Chapter five, verses three
through five says this. Not only this, but we also
(25:10):
celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance
and perseverance, proven character, and proven character. Hope and hope
does not disappoint because the love of God has been
poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who
is given to us. We don't weep as victims of tragedy.
(25:33):
We mourn as people who feel deeply but also know
that there is hope Hangar's encounter with the Angel reminds
us of God's faithfulness in our times of sorrow. We
should hold on to God's promises, knowing that He is
with us and has a plan for our future. Next,
(25:56):
we must live with empathy. We are called to be
a commune that supports one another through life's challenges. This
means creating a safe space for people to express their
grief and offering the support they need to find comfort
and hope in God. Sarah was mourning the lack of
a child and desperately needed comfort. Unfortunately, Abram was too
(26:20):
oblivious to see it. Sometimes people who suffer can't see
the suffering of others. Their hurt blinds them to the
needs of others. May this never be so with us.
Mourning for the brokenness of the world means living with
a heart of empathy. We should actively seek to understand
(26:41):
and alleviate the pain of those around us, advocating for justice, mercy,
and love in all of our interactions. As we reflect
on Jesus's words, Blessed are those who mourn, for they
shall be comforted, and the story of Hagar's divine encounter
in the desert let us embrace the depth of God's
(27:02):
comfort and extend it to others. May we, as citizens
of Heaven live with the character of Jesus, feeling deeply
for the sorrows of the world and offering the hope
and comfort that comes from our heavenly Father. Let us
pray for the strength to be both recipients and givers
(27:22):
of God's profound comfort. Thanks again for listening. If you
haven't yet followed or subscribed to our podcast, be sure
to do so. It makes sure you never miss an episode,
but it also helps us get discovered by more people.
Thanks for joining us.
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