Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the Desert of Beersheba.
Genesis 21:14 NIV
Abraham’s life consistently reflects a profound pattern of prompt obedience to God’s instructions. In Genesis 21, we see this obedience tested when God instructs him to heed Sarah’s words and send Hagar and Ishmael away. While this command caused Abraham great distress initially, he acted without hesitation after God reassured him of His divine plan.
The verse highlights Abraham’s immediate response: “Early the next morning, Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and sent her off with the boy.” His actions demonstrate not only obedience but also the right attitude—he neither delayed nor made excuses to prolong the difficult task. Instead, he acted with urgency and faith.
Abraham’s example underscores an essential truth: obedience to God requires not only action but prompt and decisive action. Emotional attachments and personal hesitations did not hinder him, showing his deep trust in God’s wisdom.
Also, this narrative is a powerful metaphor for God’s call to believers to “get rid of” the sinful nature in their lives. Just as Abraham was instructed to send Hagar and Ishmael away, believers are called to eliminate sin completely—not merely its outward expressions but its root cause, the sinful nature.
God expects immediate and thorough obedience. Delayed action not only reflects disobedience but also leaves room for sin to take a deeper hold on our lives. Abraham’s urgency, seen in the phrase “early the next morning,” sets a clear example for us to follow.
Procrastination in obeying God’s commands exposes us to spiritual risks. Sin, if left unchecked, can grow and entangle us further, making it harder to overcome. God’s instructions to act promptly are not suggestions but commands meant to protect and guide us into His perfect will.
Practical Lessons
- Immediate Action: Obedience to God should be marked by urgency. Acting promptly demonstrates faith and trust in God’s plan.
- Complete Removal of Sin: Like Abraham’s decisive action, believers must eliminate sin entirely, leaving no room for compromise. Half-hearted attempts or obedience leave us vulnerable.
- Trust God’s Wisdom: Aligning with God’s instructions, even when emotionally difficult, reflects trust in His ultimate plan for our lives.
- Prioritise God’s Will: Placing God’s commands above personal emotions or attachments is key to spiritual growth and alignment with His purpose.
In conclusion, Abraham’s story in Genesis 21 offers a timeless lesson on the importance of obedience to God. His immediate action shows us how to respond to God’s instructions, even when they are challenging. Similarly, God calls us to rid ourselves of sin decisively and without delay. As we walk in obedience, we honour God and position ourselves to receive His promises and blessings.
Let Abraham’s example remind us that delayed obedience is disobedience. May we, like him, act with urgency, faith, and unwavering trust in God’s perfect plan.