Genesis 21:8-12
The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, playing with her son Isaac. So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not inherit along with my son Isaac.” The matter was very distressing to Abraham on account of his son. But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the boy and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you. Genesis 21:8-12 (NSVRUE)
I stood at recess with a heavy (10-year-old) heart. My classmate, Susan, had an awkward mishap and all the other kids were laughing at her hysterically. I just wanted to cry. You see, Susan was considered somewhat of an outcast by the other kids. I just loathe labels, but that was her harsh reality.
After telling my mom, we invited Susan for dinner the next day. As we sat down to eat, she looked at the special casserole Mom had made and said, “I don’t like casserole.” Mom graciously replied, “Susan, we’d love to see you back after dinner if you want to ride your bike on home.” And, she did just that. We played later that evening and a friendship was formed.
In today’s scripture, we encounter outcasts. Hagar and her son, Ishmael, are sent away by Sarah and Abraham. It’s no wonder, because Hagar (Sarah’s slave) had Abraham’s baby before Sarah could conceive their own child, Isaac. Sarah was worried about Hagar’s son getting some of the inheritance so you can see where that ended up. They were driven out into the wilderness. Until…God saved them with life-giving water.
Just as God’s compassion reached Hagar and Ishmael, my mom offered compassion to Susan. God’s unlimited grace calls us to consider how we treat those who are cast aside. The church is called to echo God’s mercy, to see and hear those suffering in the world. May we be present with those in the wilderness so they can find hope and dignity. Even if they don’t eat casseroles.
Question for Reflection:
- How can you offer God’s love to someone who may feel like an outcast?
Prayer:
God, open our hearts to love and show compassion like you do. Help us to not look the other way when we witness bullying or cruelty. May we remember we are all your children. Amen.
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