Isaac and Ishmael
In this sermon on Genesis 21, we explore how God faithfully fulfills His promise to Abraham and Sarah by granting them a son, Isaac, despite their old age—a miraculous event that brings immense joy and emphasizes God’s closeness and grace. The narrative also addresses the difficult but necessary step of eliminating threats to God’s plan, illustrated by the sending away of Hagar and Ishmael to protect Isaac’s future, a decision endorsed by God. Drawing parallels to modern examples like the Australian cricket team’s need to remove toxic elements to restore integrity, the sermon urges us to identify and remove sins or hindrances in our lives that threaten our spiritual growth. Ultimately, it encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness, rejoice in His blessings, and be willing to make tough choices to fully embrace His promises and allow His transformative work within us.