By Evangelist (Mrs.) Bella Rhodes Vivour-Nwaogu
Jehovah El Roi
The sun has a way of shining and giving hope. As Hager made her return journey, she questioned within her the role Abraham had taken. After all she was better than Sarah and should be the preferred one now.
The community was silently in support of the unborn child. Not because of Hager, but for the joy of seeing that their benefactor has an heir to his wealth. Abraham was a good man and this caused him to have his servants and slaves stay.
At the birth of Ishmael, pride and arrogance were on display. Hagar could not hide her disdain for barren Sarah. But her plans and joy were quickly stunted as she came to realise that the battle line was drawn between her and her mistress. The stronger was to win. Without being elevated in status, her hopes were completely ruined. She had failed to collect the reins of power and control as a partaker in the splendour, wealth and admiration of the father of her son. Broken hearted, she opened herself up to hate and anger, as she proceeded to poison Ishmael’s heart against his step mum.
She felt abandoned by Abraham as he did not call for her to have another child. She knew she was not loved. She became bitter and vengeful. Years went by and suddenly, the time and season for Sarah came.
The old flame was there as Abraham searched his wife’s face seeing the sadness in those eyes. He embraced her. This time a seed was planted. Procreation was about to start. To the shock and consternation of all who had long given up on her, Sarah conceived. As the weeks of gestation progressed, the gossip quietened. It had been rumoured that she had an ailment. But then, she was old and might be on her way to her maker, some suggested. She thinks she’s pregnant others whispered, she must be day dreaming. But it was a gift from Jehovah.
Joy unspeakable in the community as Abraham gave orders for the very best for his wife as her pregnancy progressed. Laughter returns; tears of joy; her beauty got restored as her skin took on a new hew bringing out her complexion. Her grey hair shone as peace radiated around her. The mockery is over.
To be continued…
