Today's readings have a strong Abraham focus:
Psalm 22:23-31
Genesis 16:1-6
Romans 4:1-12
The Romans passage has Abraham as an exemplar of righteousness, whose deeds reflected his faith, and whose obedience to God predated the rite of circumcision. This is set in parallel with the beginning of Genesis 16 where Sarai approaches Abram with an idea to resolve their childless state... perhaps the slave Hagar can be a surrogate mother. Abram it seems does not object to the suggestion, and Hagar does indeed conceive. Poor Sarai, now her own inability to bear children is compounded, her previously worthless slave has done what she cannot do; she is angry and upset, and goes off complaining to Abram, who, it has to be said, is not portrayed as being very sympathetic... she's your slave, you sort it.
Sarai maltreated Hagar. Firstly she saw her as womb, a vessel in which a son for Abram could grow; an object if you like, a mere incubator for the child who would fulfil Abram's need for an heir (in ancient understandings men's 'seed' was the totality of the new child, the woman a mere receptor to nourish it). Then she envied her, as Hagar experienced morning sickness, as her belly swelled and her back ached, Sarai became bitter. Every grimace became a scowl, every look a put-down, every swell of belly or breast an insult. Then, when Abram shook his head and told her to get on with it, she was so cruel to Hagar that, pregnant though she was, she fled... a runaway slave had no rights and could expect severe repercussions once caught and returned.
I'm not really sure, though, that Abram emerges smelling of roses. When the suggestion was made that he take Hagar, there is no sense that he agonised over the decision, prayed about it or even was shocked at the suggestion. He just got on with it and then waited. Hagar gains no favour or status in his eyes even when she is carrying his child, she is still Sarai's property for Sarai to treat as she will. This 'man of God' is hardly an example of gentleness, compassion or even thoughtfulness. He is complicit in the attempt to end his childlessness.
The lectionary breaks off at this point... and will pick up again tomorrow as the Hagar story takes a dramatic twist. But for now we are left with the unhappy household of Abram and Sarai. Here is an elderly, childless couple who have taken things into their own hands and it has all turned very sour. Reading this story gives me pause for thought about those who we perceive, or who present themselves, as being especially righteous, and what goes on behind their closed doors. What are the tensions in their personal lives? What temptations do they face to 'fix' things using the opportunities available to them? How do they handle their negative emotions? What impact does all this have on their faith and life?
And of ourselves. What desires or promises seem unfulfilled? How do we respond?
God, can't you fix it quickly?
Can't you just fulfil that promise now, this minute, like this?
What if we do this, God, you know, this way
That'll work
Won't it?
I mean, the end result will be the same...
It won't?
Your ways are not my ways?
Your thoughts not like mine?
(Well I knew that, but even so...)
What's that?
It could all end in tears and regrets...
So, God,
How do I do it your way?
How do I distinguish your voice amidst the clamour?
How do I spend the meantime
When my faith and trust look utterly ridiculous
When the promise sounds so hollow
When time marches on and opportunities dwindle...
Teach me your ways, Oh Lord,
Show me your paths
Forgive my haste
Forgive my bright ideas
Forgive my pragmatism
And give me instead
Your peace.