This week’s sermon at why.edu.vn delved into a challenging question arising from the story of Hagar in Genesis 16. Alba Kellejian’s recent message highlighted her faith journey and God’s constant presence. Within Genesis 16, the narrative introduces Hagar, an Egyptian slave enduring exploitation and mistreatment from Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Seeking refuge from this toxic environment, Hagar flees into the wilderness. It is there that the angel of the Lord appears to her, creating a profound encounter. God undeniably worked in Hagar’s heart during this divine appearance. However, a particular instruction from the angel of the Lord often raises discomfort and questions, especially in our contemporary context.
The Uncomfortable Command: Return to Abuse?
The angel of the Lord instructed Hagar to return to Abraham and Sarah, to go back to the abusive situation she had fled, and to submit herself to Sarah’s authority. In today’s world, this directive can be deeply unsettling. We may reflect on historical accounts of slavery and exploitation with sorrow, distancing ourselves by viewing them as relics of a different era. However, the harsh reality is that such experiences persist for countless women and girls globally. Coupled with the prevalence of domestic violence and abusive home environments, the command for Hagar to return and submit is jarring.
This raises a critical question: Why Did The angel of the Lord command Hagar to return? Shouldn’t divine intervention lead to deliverance from such suffering? Why would God seemingly direct someone back into harm’s way? Our initial reaction might be to rationalize this passage, perhaps suggesting that God foresaw greater dangers for Hagar elsewhere, possibly in Egypt, her intended destination. The text suggests Hagar was heading towards Egypt, so it’s conceivable that returning to Sarah and Abraham was perceived as a lesser of two evils in some unknown divine calculus.
Alt Text: Hagar encountering the Angel of the Lord in the wilderness, symbolizing divine intervention and guidance in times of distress.
Exploring Interpretations: Why Return?
Ultimately, the Bible does not explicitly clarify why did the angel of the Lord give this specific instruction to Hagar. We are left to grapple with the ambiguity and potential discomfort it evokes. It’s crucial to acknowledge that we don’t have definitive answers to all our theological questions, and some divine directives remain shrouded in mystery. Attempting to fully decode God’s reasoning in every instance can be a futile exercise.
However, it’s vital to avoid interpreting this passage as a blanket endorsement for victims of abuse to return to harmful situations. It is dangerous and irresponsible to universally apply this specific biblical narrative to all circumstances of abuse. Unfortunately, there are instances where well-meaning but misguided faith leaders or individuals counsel victims to return to abusive environments under the guise of religious submission, often leading to further harm. This interpretation of the Hagar story should not be used to justify or perpetuate such harmful advice.
Trusting God in Difficult Directives
Instead of focusing on the potentially problematic aspects of the command, a more constructive approach is to consider the underlying message of trust. In this unique situation, God asked Hagar to undertake something incredibly difficult, something that challenges our modern sensibilities. Why did the angel ask this? Perhaps the key lies not in fully understanding the ‘why’ of the command, but in recognizing the ‘who’ behind it – a God who sees and promises presence and blessing even in hardship.
The message to Hagar, and by extension to us, is about trust. God was essentially saying, “Trust me. I am not sending you back without my presence and my peace.” Just as God had promised Abraham a great nation and blessings, God extended a similar promise to Hagar in her desolate wilderness. “Remember, Hagar,” God declared, “I am the God who sees.” This divine self-revelation – El Roi, the God who sees – is central to understanding this passage.
Alt Text: Depiction of God’s eye watching over Hagar in her suffering, emphasizing the divine attribute of being the God who sees and cares.
A Broader Lesson: Trusting God’s Plan
While this story is not a universal prescription for abuse victims to return to harm, it offers a profound lesson for all believers. God consistently seeks our trust. When God directs us, even in ways we find perplexing or challenging, faith calls us to respond with obedience. This doesn’t mean blindly accepting abuse, but rather trusting in God’s character, wisdom, and plan, even when those plans are unclear to us.
God’s ways are often beyond our comprehension. Why did the angel choose this specific path for Hagar? We may never fully grasp the divine rationale. However, we can find solace and strength in the knowledge that God is El Roi, the God who sees. He sees our suffering, hears our cries, and promises to be with us, even in the most difficult and seemingly unjust circumstances. Ultimately, choosing to trust God, even when we don’t understand His directives, is a testament to our faith and opens us to experiencing His promised presence and blessings.
In conclusion, while the command for Hagar to return to her abusive situation remains a challenging aspect of this biblical narrative, the core message transcends the discomfort. It points us towards a deeper understanding of faith as trust in a God who sees, a God who is present, and a God whose plans, though sometimes inscrutable, are ultimately for our good and His glory.
