“And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.” Genesis 21:9-11
The effect of the birth of Isaac was to make manifest the character of Ishmael. Ishmael hated Isaac and so did his mother, Hagar. Prompted by her, Ishmael sought to murder Isaac, “But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.” Galatians 4:29 and, with his mother, was justly expelled.
Both merited the severer sentence of death. Thus, the birth of Isaac, which filled Sarah’s heart with joy, filled Hagar’s with murder.
Isaac and Ishmael symbolise the new and the old natures in the Believer. Hagar and Sarah typify the two covenant of works and Grace, of bondage and liberty.
The birth of the new nature demands the expulsion of the old. It is impossible, in fact, to improve the old nature. The Holy Spirit says it is “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:7
If, therefore, the old nature cannot be subject to the Law of God, how can it be improved?
How foolish, therefore, appears the doctrine of moral evolution!
The Divine way of holiness is to “put off the old man” just as Abraham “put off” Ishmael. Man’s way of holiness is to improve the “old man” that is, to improve Ishmael. The effort is both foolish and hopeless.
The only way the “old man,” which refers to the old way, the way of the flesh, can be put off is by the Believer evidencing and maintaining Faith in Christ and the Cross. As the Cross is the only answer for “sin,” it also is the only answer for “self” “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24
LET’S PRAY
O God Creator of heaven and earth, by Your Divine Mercy and Favour open my heart to hear and agree with Your Word for deeper revelation, knowledge and understanding to do Your Will everyday in every circumstances in the glorious name of Jesus Christ.
BENEDICTION
Now, the Lord of peace HIMSELF give you peace ALWAYS by all MEANS. May the Ever Faithful God be with you to walk in power and perpetual Victory always due to the Finished Work of Christ on the Cross in the matchless name of Jesus Christ. Fountain 😇