“And He said, ‘Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?’” (Gen. 16:8 NKJV).
Two Critical Questions
Three bad decisions by three biblical characters, Sarai, Abraham, and Hagar, (Gen. 16:2-4) led to Hagar, Sarai’s maid, being alone in the wilderness and in a state of deep depression.
But suddenly, she had a theophany and was face-to-face with the Angel of the LORD (Jesus) who asked her two critical questions. A critical question forces you to deal with the real issue, not what you assume the issue to be. Keep in mind when trying to resolve any issue or solve any problem, if the issue is not the issue, then your solution will not be the answer. Ponder that!
The two critical questions Jesus posed to Hagar are ones we, too, must grapple with— “Where have you come from, and where are you going?” One question called for retrospection (to reflect on your past). The other one called for introspection (looking deeply within yourself). Recalling the harsh treatment she had received from Sarai, Hagar had no difficulty being retrospective. “Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away” (Genesis 16: 6).
So, she quickly answered the first question. “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress” (Gen. 16:8b). It is easy to point out what someone else has done to us. But it is much more difficult to look deeply within ourselves and see our faults—fully expose who we really are. Hagar had taunted Sarai after becoming pregnant with Abraham’s son and, without knowing it, her actions had offended God.
Though we cannot alter the actions of others, we can modify our behavior as it relates to others. Perhaps we would be more careful of what we do and say if we knew that the hurtful things we do or say to others are also being done to Jesus. How we treat others is how we treat Jesus. So, the Angel of the LORD instructed her to return (Go back to where you have come from) and repent. Hagar could not return and repent without first being introspective and seeing her own faults. Then she would be blessed with countless descendants. We will see the fulfillment of our aspirations and dreams when we answer both critical introspective questions and repent for anything in us that offends God.
How often do you ask yourself, “Where have I come from and where am I going?” Somehow, I do not believe those questions were only meant for Hagar.
Oh, and you do know when we visit the sick, we are visiting Jesus! Just an aside!
Focus Quote: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
–Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)
