Bondage and Promise...
[Galatians 4:21-31]



This is one of the best shots against legalism you can find in Paul's writings. He basically recounts the story of Ishmael and Issac. Ishmael is born into bondage entirely by human effort. Issac's birth is somewhat miraculous considering the age of Abraham and Sarah. God promised Issac to Sarah. God really does like to perform miracles! In miracles, we can't just disclaim God's part unless we are being disingenuous or just willfully ignorant. Issac's birth was miraculous; but no more miraculous than the Gospel it represents. Paul divulges that the allegory shows that bondage to the law will inevitably lead to a casting away:

You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. Galatians 5:4

The story is very interesting. You can read it in Genesis 21:8-21. Notice the parallels.

Ishmael mocks Issac. The early Jerusalem Church was persecuted vehemently by the Jews. Abraham and Sarah(being one in marraige, representing two emotions of God)are typical. Sarah wants justice, Abraham wants mercy...He loves Ishmael just as God loves Israel[v. 11]. He's told by God to cast her away. It's interesting that in the very next chapter, chapter 22:2, God refers to Issac as Abraham's ONLY son. A familiar theme if you recall Jesus' words to the pharisees, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works that Abraham did." Hagar's water eventually depletes and she accepts the fact that her son will die. But he doesn't...

There are also prophetic overtones in Ishmael's deliverance. There is no water. When the lad cries unto God, God OPENS HAGAR'S EYES and she sees a well of water.

The day will come when Israel's eyes are opened and they will know their Messaiah. Maybe this will happen when their children cry unto God.

Lest you be wise in your own conceits, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob" Romans 11:25-6