God’s Extended Cares to Abraham

God’s abundance of grace to Abraham extended to people close to him.

In Genesis 14 and 18-19, God delivered Lot (Abraham’s brother’s son) and his family from dangers. In Genesis 16 and 21, God protected Hagar (bondwoman) and Ishmael (Abraham’s seed) so that they could survive the exile. In Genesis 12 and 20, God did not let other men touch Abraham’s wife. In Genesis 24, God sent angel to help Isaac get a bride.

Lot’s family followed Abraham journeying, but later they separated because the land couldn’t support them dwelling together. When Lot was under captivity, Abraham came to rescue with his servants and God was with them. The second deliverance was Lot’s escape with his wife and his two daughters before the angels destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.

Though Lot is a relative of Abraham, he and his family still need to be righteous and obedient to God in order to be saved. His sons-in-law didn’t believe in Lot’s advice and they were destroyed. Lot’s wife disobeyed God by looking back; therefore, she became a pillar of salt.

God also saved Hagar and Ishmael twice. HE stopped Hagar’s fleeing from the presence of her mistress. She had conceived at that time. God sent angel to command Hagar going back to her mistress and being submissive, with a comforting projection of her son and his future.

When Isaac was born, Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away. They didn’t die in the wilderness because God opened Hagar’s eyes so that she could see a well of water. The LORD protected them and as foretold, multiplied Ishmael’s descendants exceedingly.

Twice, other men tried to take Abraham’s wife for her beauty. They believed what she told them – she was Abraham’s sister. Abraham was not killed for her sake. But God didn’t let other men touch Abraham’s wife. HE plagued or closed the womb of the related house so that both men restored the wife to Abraham. They set the married couple free, without harm.

God’s love to Abraham extended to Isaac as HE sent angel to get him a bride. The perfect match helped Isaac carry out God’s plan and blessing to his father – multiply Abraham’s descendants exceedingly.

God’s graces are bountiful and considerate. We don’t have to compete with each other to win HIS love and care. God was unimaginably abundant with his goodness and blessings. But we must do our duty to qualify for HIS grant. Obey God and walk in HIS way, we will be living within HIS plan and under HIS protection. Have great faith in the LORD; HE will deliver us from troubles and dangers, and forward us to happiness and prosperity.

Let’s pray to God:

Heavenly father, have mercy on us. Please deliver us from all kinds of temptations and dangers. Whatever happen in our life, help us walk in YOUR way steadfastly.  Thank you again for YOUR love and care. May we learn from You, and be able to extend our love and care to more neighbors. Praise to the LORD, now and forever. Amen.