Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Needs To Be Met

Genesis 21:1-21
One of the more poignant images in the entire Abrahamic tradition is that of Hagar and her son Ishmael stranded in the desert. “When the water in the skin was gone, (Hagar) cast (Ishmael) under one of the bushes. Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot; for she said, ‘Do not let me look on the death of the child.’ And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept” (Genesis 21:15-16). God interceded, of course, with water and a renewed promise to safeguard the boy as he grew. But the plight of Hagar, unable to provide for her son and unwilling to watch him die, should remind us all of the very real needs in our world, needs that can and should be met in the name of a loving God.

Prayer: Lord, open our hearts to the needs of those around us and help us to live lives of generosity according to your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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