Ishmael
The name Ishmael, which means "God will hear" in Hebrew (עִשְׁמָעֵאל, Yishma'el), is significant in the biblical narrative as it reflects God's attentiveness to the plight of those in distress. Ishmael is the son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. His birth is recorded in Genesis 16:11-12, where God promises Hagar that her son will be a wild man and that he will be the father of a great nation. This indicates God's intention to bless Ishmael despite his status as the son of a concubine rather than the primary heir.Ishmael's story is intertwined with themes of divine promise and human struggle. In Genesis 21:14-21, after the birth of Isaac, the child of promise, Hagar and Ishmael are sent away due to tensions between Sarah and Hagar. In their dire situation, God hears Ishmael’s cries and provides for them in the wilderness, reaffirming the meaning of his name. The narrative of Ishmael highlights God's mercy and care, illustrating that He hears and responds to the cries of all, regardless of their status or circumstances. Ishmael is traditionally regarded as a patriarch of the Arab people, signifying his enduring legacy in the biblical and historical narrative.
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Fatherlessness, the Cry of Ishmael
By Emanuel Esh1.2K1:17:30GEN 21:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Hagar and her son Ishmael being driven out of their home. Hagar, who had been guaranteed food, clothing, and safety in her home, is now forced to leave everything behind. She wanders in the wilderness with her son, and when their water runs out, she leaves him under a shrub, unable to watch him die. However, God hears their cry and shows Hagar a well of water that she couldn't see before. The speaker relates this story to the present day, highlighting the spiritual wilderness and longing for a father that many Muslims still experience. He emphasizes that Jesus is the well of living water, but their eyes are blinded to it.
What Is Your Ishmael
By Alan Redpath5.7K50:56GAL 4:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a genuine relationship with God through faith and obedience. He highlights the story of Abraham and Isaac to illustrate this point. The preacher explains that Abraham's friendship with God was based on his obedience, while sonship with God is dependent on faith. He also emphasizes the need for believers to demonstrate their faith through their actions and reactions, showing that they are truly followers of Jesus.
(Genesis) - Part 16
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:00:24GEN 16:16MAT 6:33JHN 15:5HEB 12:5REV 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of coming to a point of brokenness before God. He uses the example of Jacob's journey, where Jacob initially relied on his own cleverness and worldly pursuits. However, after 20 years, God breaks Jacob and humbles him, allowing him to become a prince of God. The speaker highlights the lesson that when we are broken and humble ourselves, God can do a mighty work through us. The sermon encourages listeners to seek this brokenness and surrender to God's will.