We had a precious time on Sunday morning. It was 10:00am and time for church,  the hurricane had done its damage and we began without power, just a handful of people – about 20 sat by the windows to get some light. Even though the power returned we decided to just "keep it simple" and so we remained by the windows using only the morning sun light to see by. We sang some songs, (I brought my acoustic guitar) Then in keeping with our studies in Galatians we read Genesis 16 and part of chapter 21. It was the story of Hagar and Sarai.  It relates to the Galatians text because Paul actually refers to these two women in chapter 4.

In Galatians, Paul mentions these two women because of the part they played in the story of Abram. The Jewish Christians that were in the churches around Galatia would certainly be aware of this story. But it was WHAT Paul said about them that is interesting. Paul uses Hagar, the maid servant of Sarai, to illustrate people who are slaves and who try to find acceptance to God "by doing". In contrast to Hagar Paul uses Sarai to illustrate those who live by "the promise". Now we could argue the point as to whether or not Sarai did in fact live by the promise of God to give her a son, but that’s not the point. (by the way I think at times she did but the story highlights a time when she did not)  But the point is that God provided just like he promised. Deb Fraser said  "I love the way chapter 21 begins" and I do too….. It says "

"Now the Lord was gracious to Sarai as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarai as He had promised."

As we look back over the years we see from these two women we have two great nations of people. Hagar who represents all who are actually enslaved in their attempt to reach God by preforming rituals and observing certain ordinances. Sarai who represents all who are really free for their freedom has come as a result of them believing the promise of God as he brought forth His Son Jesus to be "the Promised One".

I wonder who are you? Are you attempting to find acceptance with God based upon what you are doing? Or are you trusting in what God has promised – the Messiah- Jesus the "Promised One".