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Isaiah 28:14-30:11; Galatians 3:23-4:31; Psalm 62:1-12; Proverbs 23:19-21
“For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and the other by a free woman. But the one by the slave was born according to the flesh, while the one by the free woman was born as the result of a promise. These things are illustrations, for the women represent the two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery – this is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice O barren woman who does not give birth. Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor, for the children of the desolate are many, more numerous than those of the woman who has a husband.
Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. But just as the child born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, so also now. But what does the Scripture say? Throw out the slave and her son, for the son of the slave will never inherit with the son of the free woman. Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.” (Galatians 4:22-31)
In very simplistic terms, God used Abraham’s children born of his relationships with his wife, Sarah, and her maid, Hagar to express two covenants and two people groups. The law (works under the 10 Commandments) and grace (freedom through receiving the work of Christ). We may choose to remain under the law as slaves or receive freedom through Christ.
The duality of this passage also gives us the beginning of Islam – Sarah bore Isaac and Hagar bore Ishmael. They represent God’s child of promise (Isaac) and one of slavery brought about by an act of flesh (Ishmael). You see Ishmael was the first born, but not of the wife. God’s promise was to Sarah, not Hagar. It was Sarah’s firstborn, Isaac, who received the inheritance from his father and the promise from the Lord.
While Abraham loved both of his children, he had to send Ishmael away in order for the child of promise to claim his place. God saw his heartache and told Abraham that He would make a great nation of Ishmael, but the child of promise that would bear the lineage of the Messiah was Isaac, who came through Sarah, his wife.
The whole conflict in Islam is whether Ishmael is the firstborn with the rights of inheritance. The Bible very clearly states in the Old and New Testament that Isaac is the chosen line. The Jewish Torah confirms this as well. I had a Muslim try to cheerfully convince me that he believed in Jesus too. In a roundabout way, he was firmly suggesting that Jesus was a great prophet sent as a gift to Mary’s father, since he had no sons. My Bible, my faith and my heart resound that Jesus was more than a prophet, He is Lord. And I must believe there will come a day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord to the glory of God.
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray that You will reveal Your truth to all of us. I do not hate Muslims, and I acknowledge they have the right to their beliefs so long as they do not force it on others. Your Word states there will be persecution, but despite that, I pray You will protect Your people. Keep us free from radicals and give us wisdom. I do pray against the violent factions within Islam and ask that You would hinder them and any of their wicked plans. I pray the peace and salvation of Jesus over the nations. Help us to be like Christ. It’s in His name I pray. Amen
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