Genesis 16:5-6 NLT, “Then Sarai said to Abram, “This is all your fault! I put my servant into your arms, but now that she’s pregnant she treats me with contempt. The LORD will show who’s wrong—you or me!” Abram replied, “Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away.”
God Sees You as responsible for your actions
Sarah’s Perspective
Let’s put ourselves in Sarai shoes. We know that Abram spoke with God on numerous occasions about the son he was to have as an heir. God reassured him with such beautiful correspondence that His promise to him will certainly come to pass. It would stand to reason that Abram would communicate to Sarai on numerous occasions about “their son”. As his wife, Sarai would be anxious to please her husband, but try as they may, it just wasn’t happening.
It would also stand to reason that Abram would constantly ask Sarai if she was pregnant yet. Imagine, every month for ten years Abram glances over at Sarai at the breakfast table with hopeful eyes. Sadly, she drops her chin and shakes her head no. Abram’s anxiety and unmet anticipation negatively affects Sarai.
And Sarai’s own identity as a woman, wife, and mother were not being fulfilled. Sarai desperately wanted a child. I am sure many tears were shed each disappointing time her cycle renewed itself. Not only that, but she has reached the age where menopause was setting in. Her hope was dwindling and she was stressed out.
Last but not least, she carried the stigma and shame of barrenness. In Saria’s world, barrenness was a sign of God’s withholding His favor. In her heart, she may have believed that God was displeased with her. She is also concerned that Abram also would be displeased with her as look down upon her as an inadequate wife unable to perform her duty. If that’s not bad enough, the respect and honor that came with her position as first lady of this extensive caravan might be questioned and challenged. Sarai was under a lot of pressure.
So, Sarai resorted to resolving this problem by conforming to the custom of the surrounding nations. She gives Abram her handmaid Hagar (The Other Woman) and plans to have a child through her. Hagar becomes pregnant and flaunts herself in front of Sarai, Abram, and the rest of the caravan as ‘the favored one’ by God and by Abram. The pressure is too much for Sarai to bear. She is incensed and squarely placed the blame of this entire situation on Abram. Sarai decrees that God will show Abram who is right or wrong in this situation! This statement “The Lord will show you who is right or wrong” is found ten more times in the Bible, all having to do with God’s judgement.
Who’s fault is it?
Abram realized that Sarai’s statement is true. He had placed a lot of anxiety and pressure on her. He understood the ‘why’ she came up with this plan. He agreed to it and didn’t try to stop it. As head of the household, Abram is responsible for both of them and didn’t argue with her on that point. Abram owned up to Sarai’s actions and his own.
Both Sarai and Abram recognized God as Judge and they knew He would discern righteously concerning their actions. Abram dispenses a judgement accordingly.
First, Abram restores Sarai back to her rightful place as God’s favored one, as his wife, and as first lady. He does this by demoting Hagar from wife to servant (she is your servant Genesis 16:6). Not is she only merely a servant, but specifically Sarai’s servant and property. Sarai needed security and Abram delivered.
Next, Hagar’s destiny was in Sarai’s hands. By demoting Hagar, Abram gave Sarai permission to do with Hagar as she pleased even though she was pregnant with his child. Sarai was reassured that she meant more to Abram than Hagar and the baby. It was a necessary step in restoring order and dispensing justice between God, himself, and Sarai. Sadly, Sarai was inexcusably harsh with Hagar. Like a puppy with its tail between its legs, Hagar ended up running away to save her life and the life of her child.
What is the lesson here?
Expect a trickle down effect. A leader’s attitude, body language, and actions will affect the decision making process of those he/she is in charge over. As the head of the household, corporation, church, etc…when an injustice occurs, the fault will always fall on the head of the leader. It is the responsibility of the leader to judge themselves and those involved to rectify the wrongs and to restore order.
We have all shared concerns and fears with those around us. It’s when we become obsessed and alarm those closest to us when things happen. Anxiety and fear will set in motion a regrettable chain of events we wished had never happened. Judge yourself. Believe God’s Word, promises and good character. Be at peace, keep order, and allow God to move on your behalf.
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Pray It:
Father, You keep our minds and hearts in perfect peace when we trust You. Help me to always remain at peace with You and with all those around me. Help me not to be anxious about anything in thought, word, or deed, but instead pray and thank You for the answers. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Say It:
I will not allow anything to overwhelm me.
I will not worry about anything.
I will pray about everything.
I trust God about everything.
Do It:
Evaluate yourself. How often do I pray about people, places or things that frustrate me?
Let’s put ourselves in Sarai shoes. We know that Abram spoke with God on numerous occasions about the son he was to have as an heir. God reassured him with such beautiful correspondence that His promise to him will certainly come to pass. It would stand to reason that Abram would communicate to Sarai on numerous occasions about “their son”. As his wife, Sarai would be anxious to please her husband, but try as they may, it just wasn’t happening.
It would also stand to reason that Abram would constantly ask Sarai if she was pregnant yet. Imagine, every month for ten years Abram glances over at Sarai at the breakfast table with hopeful eyes. Sadly, she drops her chin and shakes her head no. Abram’s anxiety and unmet anticipation negatively affects Sarai.
And Sarai’s own identity as a woman, wife, and mother were not being fulfilled. Sarai desperately wanted a child. I am sure many tears were shed each disappointing time her cycle renewed itself. Not only that, but she has reached the age where menopause was setting in. Her hope was dwindling and she was stressed out.
Last but not least, she carried the stigma and shame of barrenness. In Saria’s world, barrenness was a sign of God’s withholding His favor. In her heart, she may have believed that God was displeased with her. She is also concerned that Abram also would be displeased with her as look down upon her as an inadequate wife unable to perform her duty. If that’s not bad enough, the respect and honor that came with her position as first lady of this extensive caravan might be questioned and challenged. Sarai was under a lot of pressure.
So, Sarai resorted to resolving this problem by conforming to the custom of the surrounding nations. She gives Abram her handmaid Hagar (The Other Woman) and plans to have a child through her. Hagar becomes pregnant and flaunts herself in front of Sarai, Abram, and the rest of the caravan as ‘the favored one’ by God and by Abram. The pressure is too much for Sarai to bear. She is incensed and squarely placed the blame of this entire situation on Abram. Sarai decrees that God will show Abram who is right or wrong in this situation! This statement “The Lord will show you who is right or wrong” is found ten more times in the Bible, all having to do with God’s judgement.
Who’s fault is it?
Abram realized that Sarai’s statement is true. He had placed a lot of anxiety and pressure on her. He understood the ‘why’ she came up with this plan. He agreed to it and didn’t try to stop it. As head of the household, Abram is responsible for both of them and didn’t argue with her on that point. Abram owned up to Sarai’s actions and his own.
Both Sarai and Abram recognized God as Judge and they knew He would discern righteously concerning their actions. Abram dispenses a judgement accordingly.
First, Abram restores Sarai back to her rightful place as God’s favored one, as his wife, and as first lady. He does this by demoting Hagar from wife to servant (she is your servant Genesis 16:6). Not is she only merely a servant, but specifically Sarai’s servant and property. Sarai needed security and Abram delivered.
Next, Hagar’s destiny was in Sarai’s hands. By demoting Hagar, Abram gave Sarai permission to do with Hagar as she pleased even though she was pregnant with his child. Sarai was reassured that she meant more to Abram than Hagar and the baby. It was a necessary step in restoring order and dispensing justice between God, himself, and Sarai. Sadly, Sarai was inexcusably harsh with Hagar. Like a puppy with its tail between its legs, Hagar ended up running away to save her life and the life of her child.
What is the lesson here?
Expect a trickle down effect. A leader’s attitude, body language, and actions will affect the decision making process of those he/she is in charge over. As the head of the household, corporation, church, etc…when an injustice occurs, the fault will always fall on the head of the leader. It is the responsibility of the leader to judge themselves and those involved to rectify the wrongs and to restore order.
We have all shared concerns and fears with those around us. It’s when we become obsessed and alarm those closest to us when things happen. Anxiety and fear will set in motion a regrettable chain of events we wished had never happened. Judge yourself. Believe God’s Word, promises and good character. Be at peace, keep order, and allow God to move on your behalf.
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Pray It:
Father, You keep our minds and hearts in perfect peace when we trust You. Help me to always remain at peace with You and with all those around me. Help me not to be anxious about anything in thought, word, or deed, but instead pray and thank You for the answers. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Say It:
I will not allow anything to overwhelm me.
I will not worry about anything.
I will pray about everything.
I trust God about everything.
Do It:
Evaluate yourself. How often do I pray about people, places or things that frustrate me?
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