(Written by Sheila Gail Landgraf)
Most of
the story of Hagar and Ishmael has been told; but there is a little bit more
that we should cover here before we make a turn and leave them for a while. There is so much to tell and time limits how much we will be able to discuss. How I wish that were not the case. This is a very important topic. Today I want to look closer at the little details that are often overlooked in the typical discussions of the story. God is in the small things as well as the larger things and in this story, the small things make a huge difference in the large things.
Let's try very hard to remember every little thing about these two because they are a big part of the thread in the whole tapestry that God is weaving as He forms and shapes the nation of Israel and eventually all the nations of the world as we know it today.
God has been writing this story for years and years, slowly changing the hearts, fully telling the truth, finding and loving the lost and the hated forever. Not just yesterday! He is Eternal. All of these nations and peoples that are so loved of God came originally from Abraham, Sarah and Hagar. It is important to walk a while in each of their shoes and to see what God taught each of them. We need to know who they really are so that we can realize who we really are.
Let's try very hard to remember every little thing about these two because they are a big part of the thread in the whole tapestry that God is weaving as He forms and shapes the nation of Israel and eventually all the nations of the world as we know it today.
God has been writing this story for years and years, slowly changing the hearts, fully telling the truth, finding and loving the lost and the hated forever. Not just yesterday! He is Eternal. All of these nations and peoples that are so loved of God came originally from Abraham, Sarah and Hagar. It is important to walk a while in each of their shoes and to see what God taught each of them. We need to know who they really are so that we can realize who we really are.
We have
already discussed that Hagar was set free by Abraham. She and Ishmael went to live near
a well in the desert. One would think
from reading the scriptures that it was the last Abraham saw of Hagar, but is
that a realistic assumption? Many think
that Abraham kept up with Hagar and Ishmael and provided for their
welfare. Even though Sarah and Hagar
were separated and maintained separate homes with their own sons, it seems that
Abraham loved and cared and provided for both sons.
If you
think about this long enough, you come to realize that the well which was only a few bow-lengths away from the place where Hagar lay
Ishmael to die was possibly located very close to where Abraham and Sarah were living in Gerar. It would not have been too far for Abraham to travel, or to receive news of the needs of Hagar and Ishmael.
If you think about it all even longer you might come to suspect that this very well was probably the same well that we later hear about when Abraham and Abimeleck made an agreement to live peacefully with each other in the land for three years. This was a sort of treaty between them that happened long after Abraham and Sarah had left Abimeleck’s palace where amazingly even after Abraham had deceived Abimeleck, King Abimeleck had promised them use of the land to graze their cattle and promised them that they would be free to live on the land as they wished without harm. Years had passed since Abimeleck made this promise and he had been good to his word. Abraham and Sarah had been allowed to dwell in the land even though they were foreigners. When it came time to seal the deal with a treaty, Abimeleck reminded Abraham that he had kept his end of the promise. Now it was Abraham's turn to make promises.
Many were amused when this treaty was formed. They marveled that Abimeleck would even think of making an agreement with Abraham after the way Abraham had lied to him and deceived him into thinking that Sarah was his sister. Yet; Abraham had prayed for Abimeleck and his household and the Philistine King had seen the results of those prayers. It must have made quite an impression. There had been much healing. Abimeleck knew also from a dream that God was blessing Abraham and that Abraham was a prophet of God. Perhaps Abimeleck was afraid God would bless Abraham so much that he would lose all of his kingdom to him. Was it not rumored that Abraham thought his descendants would inherit this land eventually? This three year treaty probably seemed the best way to go. They could live together in peace for a period of time, then Abraham and Sarah could journey on to somewhere else. The King would no longer be threatened with these people taking over his territory. In his eyes, it was temporary and he would like to end the temporary arrangement without too much of a fight and on agreeable terms.
Abraham’s perspective of this treaty would have been quite different from that of Abimeleck, having been told by God that his descendants would eventually be given the land. Abraham might have seen this treaty as the beginning of many more to come. He wanted to live peacefully in the land and he wanted to have a good relationship with the king that now ruled the land.
So the two men made the treaty, each of them looking at it from their own perspective; Abraham thinking this was God's first step in His plan for his descendants to acquire the land, and Abimeleck thinking he was preparing them for the date when they would make their eventual departure. Each man entered the treaty seeing their own possible advantages.
However, to make the deal sweeter, there was a well that Abraham had dug, and he had noticed Abimeleck’s men were constantly fighting with his men over the water rights for this well. Abraham pointed this out to Abimeleck and mentioned that he had set aside seven female lambs as a gift to Abimeleck in exchange for the well. Abimeleck, knowing that the deal would never be sealed without this, accepted Abraham's terms. What harm would it be for Abraham to own the well if he had to leave. Abimeleck's people would just take it over at that time, wells could be reclaimed easily enough.
When this treaty was finished and sealed this particular well was considered to be the legal property of Abraham. It was the first thing that he had actually bought and paid for and owned exclusively in the new land. It was the most important move that he could have made. In this dry land, water rights meant survival. This was a very important well. It was the often overlooked first step in God fulfilling the covenant that promised the land to Abraham and his descendants.
If you think about it all even longer you might come to suspect that this very well was probably the same well that we later hear about when Abraham and Abimeleck made an agreement to live peacefully with each other in the land for three years. This was a sort of treaty between them that happened long after Abraham and Sarah had left Abimeleck’s palace where amazingly even after Abraham had deceived Abimeleck, King Abimeleck had promised them use of the land to graze their cattle and promised them that they would be free to live on the land as they wished without harm. Years had passed since Abimeleck made this promise and he had been good to his word. Abraham and Sarah had been allowed to dwell in the land even though they were foreigners. When it came time to seal the deal with a treaty, Abimeleck reminded Abraham that he had kept his end of the promise. Now it was Abraham's turn to make promises.
Many were amused when this treaty was formed. They marveled that Abimeleck would even think of making an agreement with Abraham after the way Abraham had lied to him and deceived him into thinking that Sarah was his sister. Yet; Abraham had prayed for Abimeleck and his household and the Philistine King had seen the results of those prayers. It must have made quite an impression. There had been much healing. Abimeleck knew also from a dream that God was blessing Abraham and that Abraham was a prophet of God. Perhaps Abimeleck was afraid God would bless Abraham so much that he would lose all of his kingdom to him. Was it not rumored that Abraham thought his descendants would inherit this land eventually? This three year treaty probably seemed the best way to go. They could live together in peace for a period of time, then Abraham and Sarah could journey on to somewhere else. The King would no longer be threatened with these people taking over his territory. In his eyes, it was temporary and he would like to end the temporary arrangement without too much of a fight and on agreeable terms.
Abraham’s perspective of this treaty would have been quite different from that of Abimeleck, having been told by God that his descendants would eventually be given the land. Abraham might have seen this treaty as the beginning of many more to come. He wanted to live peacefully in the land and he wanted to have a good relationship with the king that now ruled the land.
So the two men made the treaty, each of them looking at it from their own perspective; Abraham thinking this was God's first step in His plan for his descendants to acquire the land, and Abimeleck thinking he was preparing them for the date when they would make their eventual departure. Each man entered the treaty seeing their own possible advantages.
However, to make the deal sweeter, there was a well that Abraham had dug, and he had noticed Abimeleck’s men were constantly fighting with his men over the water rights for this well. Abraham pointed this out to Abimeleck and mentioned that he had set aside seven female lambs as a gift to Abimeleck in exchange for the well. Abimeleck, knowing that the deal would never be sealed without this, accepted Abraham's terms. What harm would it be for Abraham to own the well if he had to leave. Abimeleck's people would just take it over at that time, wells could be reclaimed easily enough.
When this treaty was finished and sealed this particular well was considered to be the legal property of Abraham. It was the first thing that he had actually bought and paid for and owned exclusively in the new land. It was the most important move that he could have made. In this dry land, water rights meant survival. This was a very important well. It was the often overlooked first step in God fulfilling the covenant that promised the land to Abraham and his descendants.
Knowing
that God had finally given him a piece of the property that had been promised for years and years, Abraham built an altar at this well and gave thanks to
God. He was full of joy and elated to see the promises coming to pass! He thanked God for the well, and
for the beginning of the fulfilling of the rest of the promise. Isaac’s birth had fulfilled a large part of this
promise and a small piece of the rest of it was now beginning to come about too. Abraham was determined that Isaac’s children and their children would live in this land that had
been promised by God to Abraham. This one little bit of the land where the well was had given Abraham much hope for the future.
Abraham realized at this late point in his life during this time that God first begun to fulfill the rest of the covenant that God had a different perspective on time than he did. Abraham realized for the first time that God was eternal and everlasting. The importance of this truth overwhelmed Abraham. It sunk into his very soul and he thought a lot about the fact that God goes on forever and ever, infinite, without end.
He had known that God was powerful and righteous, but this was the first time that Abraham had pondered the fact that the God he faithfully served was forever and ever. Here at this well Abraham called God El-Olam which meant Eternal God. Abraham pondered the fact that an eternal God had given him a promise and that promise would belong to all of his descendants. They would know and call on this name of this very same Eternal God all through history.
Abraham finally realized here that every thing he had done and would ever do would affect the eternal blessings of God toward his descendants. That is why Abraham planted a Tamerisk tree beside this well.
Tamerisk trees grow slowly. You do not plant them for your own shade. You plant them to shade the people in the generations to come. Abraham praised God that his descendants would come and sit under the shade of this Tamerisk tree near the well of Abraham where they would draw water to satisfy their thirsts in the years to come.
It was a huge moment of faith for Abraham.
It was a gigantic leap in his understanding of how big God really is and how eternal his blessings and promises are. Abraham praised God here and offered up his thanks. With the planting of the Tamerisk tree he had planted down roots. He continued to live a godly life with Sarah and Isaac in Gerar. There he once again opened his doors to strangers and told them about El-Olam - The Everlasting God. The House of Abraham was once again spreading the word about the One True God of Heaven and Earth. It must have been a wonderful time for Abraham and Sarah and Isaac. These must have been the most precious years of their lives.
Abraham was so happy with the way things were going that he decided to give a huge celebration on the day that Isaac was weaned. We have already discussed this story too, and we noted the way that Sarah persuaded Abraham to turn Hagar and Ishmael away so that only Isaac would inherit from Abraham.
Abraham was quite perplexed but discussed this with God first, which also shows us the change and the maturity of Abraham in this place. He heard God say to listen to Sarah so he decided to do what he personally did not want to do. He gave Hagar and Ishmael some bread and a flask of water and told them they were free; and that they must leave. Perhaps Sarah saw this as getting rid of Hagar and Ishmael, but perhaps Abraham only saw this as separating the two women and their sons. He only gave them enough bread and water to wonder a short time. Perhaps he even told Hagar which direction to take. No one really knows what was happening in Abraham's heart on that day, but what we do know is they stumbled on the provision of a well just in time, just as their bread and water ran out.
We have also discussed that Hagar wandered in the desert until the water and the bread were gone and she laid Ishmael down beneath a bush and went off a few bow lengths so she did not have to see him die. She began to cry. The angel of the LORD heard Ishmael's cry and came to Hagar and Hagar's eyes were opened and she saw the well.
Abraham realized at this late point in his life during this time that God first begun to fulfill the rest of the covenant that God had a different perspective on time than he did. Abraham realized for the first time that God was eternal and everlasting. The importance of this truth overwhelmed Abraham. It sunk into his very soul and he thought a lot about the fact that God goes on forever and ever, infinite, without end.
He had known that God was powerful and righteous, but this was the first time that Abraham had pondered the fact that the God he faithfully served was forever and ever. Here at this well Abraham called God El-Olam which meant Eternal God. Abraham pondered the fact that an eternal God had given him a promise and that promise would belong to all of his descendants. They would know and call on this name of this very same Eternal God all through history.
Abraham finally realized here that every thing he had done and would ever do would affect the eternal blessings of God toward his descendants. That is why Abraham planted a Tamerisk tree beside this well.
Tamerisk trees grow slowly. You do not plant them for your own shade. You plant them to shade the people in the generations to come. Abraham praised God that his descendants would come and sit under the shade of this Tamerisk tree near the well of Abraham where they would draw water to satisfy their thirsts in the years to come.
It was a huge moment of faith for Abraham.
It was a gigantic leap in his understanding of how big God really is and how eternal his blessings and promises are. Abraham praised God here and offered up his thanks. With the planting of the Tamerisk tree he had planted down roots. He continued to live a godly life with Sarah and Isaac in Gerar. There he once again opened his doors to strangers and told them about El-Olam - The Everlasting God. The House of Abraham was once again spreading the word about the One True God of Heaven and Earth. It must have been a wonderful time for Abraham and Sarah and Isaac. These must have been the most precious years of their lives.
Abraham was so happy with the way things were going that he decided to give a huge celebration on the day that Isaac was weaned. We have already discussed this story too, and we noted the way that Sarah persuaded Abraham to turn Hagar and Ishmael away so that only Isaac would inherit from Abraham.
Abraham was quite perplexed but discussed this with God first, which also shows us the change and the maturity of Abraham in this place. He heard God say to listen to Sarah so he decided to do what he personally did not want to do. He gave Hagar and Ishmael some bread and a flask of water and told them they were free; and that they must leave. Perhaps Sarah saw this as getting rid of Hagar and Ishmael, but perhaps Abraham only saw this as separating the two women and their sons. He only gave them enough bread and water to wonder a short time. Perhaps he even told Hagar which direction to take. No one really knows what was happening in Abraham's heart on that day, but what we do know is they stumbled on the provision of a well just in time, just as their bread and water ran out.
We have also discussed that Hagar wandered in the desert until the water and the bread were gone and she laid Ishmael down beneath a bush and went off a few bow lengths so she did not have to see him die. She began to cry. The angel of the LORD heard Ishmael's cry and came to Hagar and Hagar's eyes were opened and she saw the well.
If you
think about it, the well that Hagar saw which was close to a bush where she laid Ishmael to die (about two bow-lengths away) was probably the same well that
Abraham and Abemileck had formed the treaty over.
It more than likely was the well bought with the seven female lambs. This well had been the beginning of Abraham's miracle from God, the first rights to the promised land. It was also Hagar’s miracle from God. Her eyes were opened in that very spot and she saw
how to bring her nearly dead son back to life. This
was the well in Beersheba near Hebron on the Sinai peninsula, not too terribly
far from Gerar. Some people have different theories, but this is what I have come to believe about the well.
The
bush that Ishmael lay under was mostly likely a young Tamarisk tree that had been planted a few years ago by his Father, Abraham. When these trees are young they look more like bushes. Hagar, being originally from the desert lands of Egypt would probably have
known the special qualities of the Tamarisk trees.
These trees grow in soil with high concentrations of salt. They have small leaves and small branches. During the heat of the day these trees secrete salt. The salt dries. During the night the salt absorbs water from the air. In the morning the water evaporates creating the effect of a natural air conditioner and the air beneath this tree is always cooler during the daylight. God was still looking out for Ishmael. He gave him air conditioning in the desert heat!
These trees grow in soil with high concentrations of salt. They have small leaves and small branches. During the heat of the day these trees secrete salt. The salt dries. During the night the salt absorbs water from the air. In the morning the water evaporates creating the effect of a natural air conditioner and the air beneath this tree is always cooler during the daylight. God was still looking out for Ishmael. He gave him air conditioning in the desert heat!
Perhaps
Hagar, even though she was afraid her son might die, did not walk away for only that
reason. Perhaps she wanted him to have
all the benefits of the air underneath this tree. Perhaps her walking away was a noble
sacrifice, giving him the cool air in the midst of the desert heat, and yet she would be close enough to hear
him if needed.
It is also said of the leaves of this tree when they have been shed beneath it make a soft warm bed in the desert during the night. They tend to absorb the heat from the sand at night and keep one warm. As hot as it is in the daytime, the desert is also very cold at night. You can die from cold just as you can die from heat. Hagar was smart enough to use all of her survival skills to protect her son and to keep him alive. God was still guiding Hagar, even as she was lost in the desert.
It is also said of the leaves of this tree when they have been shed beneath it make a soft warm bed in the desert during the night. They tend to absorb the heat from the sand at night and keep one warm. As hot as it is in the daytime, the desert is also very cold at night. You can die from cold just as you can die from heat. Hagar was smart enough to use all of her survival skills to protect her son and to keep him alive. God was still guiding Hagar, even as she was lost in the desert.
This is a personal thought that I want to give more research to, but it is
my own personal theory that Hagar and Ishmael, lost in the desert, were the
first people to encounter the burning bush, even before Moses. I believe it existed in the area of that Tamerisk tree, or even that it is that Tamerisk tree.
If you study the areas where there were burning bush experiences, you will find that this well which was probably dug by Abraham and the bush were close in proximity to each other. Moses met Jethro's daughters as they were drawing water from a well. There were seven daughters who drew, and there were seven female lambs paid by Abraham to obtain this well for the descendants of Abraham. Moses saw the bush not too far from this well.
If you study the areas where there were burning bush experiences, you will find that this well which was probably dug by Abraham and the bush were close in proximity to each other. Moses met Jethro's daughters as they were drawing water from a well. There were seven daughters who drew, and there were seven female lambs paid by Abraham to obtain this well for the descendants of Abraham. Moses saw the bush not too far from this well.
Getting back to our original story, we are
told that God heard Ishmael’s cry and then spoke to Hagar. Could it be that God heard Ishmael’s cry because
Ishmael was laid down in a holy place? We are told in the scriptures that the place of the burning bush was holy.
Let’s read how Moses described the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-5:
Let’s read how Moses described the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-5:
Now
Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian
and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the
Mountain of God. There the angel of the
LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it
did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I
will go over and see this strange sight – why the bush does not burn up.” When the LORD saw that he had gone over to
look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”
And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do
not come any closer,” God said. “Take
off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
It is
quite possible that Ishmael was laid down right on the same holy ground and God heard
his cry and his prayer for himself and his mother. Then God called out to from the bush to Hagar, much in the
same way that He called out to Moses.
God called out to her by specifically naming her name. God knew Hagar’s name and He told her not to
fear, that he had heard the cries of the boy in the bush.
Wow! Does that not give you chills up and down
your spine? God KNEW Hagar by name and
He told her not to fear. I can just feel Hagar's countenance changing from very humble to confident and sure. I can see the hope in her eyes increasing every second. Just as God remembered Sarah in her time of being an outcast; He also remembered Hagar. He had heard
her son crying under the BUSH, probably the same bush where God called out to
Moses.
The cry of Ishamael in God's ear probably sounded a lot like another little baby's cry from the basket in the river made from the bushes called bulrushes. Long before God heard the cry of Moses, He heard the cry of Ishamael. Probably near the same well where Abraham had worshiped God and thanked Him for being eternal and keeping all of his promises. This incident in the life of Hagar and Ishmael probably happened in the same place where generation after generation we will hear of miracle after miracle for Abraham’s descendants in the years to come. The stories are uncountable.
The cry of Ishamael in God's ear probably sounded a lot like another little baby's cry from the basket in the river made from the bushes called bulrushes. Long before God heard the cry of Moses, He heard the cry of Ishamael. Probably near the same well where Abraham had worshiped God and thanked Him for being eternal and keeping all of his promises. This incident in the life of Hagar and Ishmael probably happened in the same place where generation after generation we will hear of miracle after miracle for Abraham’s descendants in the years to come. The stories are uncountable.
So be sure to listen
up whenever you hear the mention of the bush or the Tamarisk Tree or the
well. It will be meaningful, and it
usually involves God calling someone out, using their personal name and giving
them personal instructions. Ask
Moses. Ask Jacob. Ask David.
Ask Mary. Ask Abraham. Ask Ishmael.
Ask Isaac. Ask 21 Egyptian men who were beheaded for their belief in the cross just recently.
These cast-out children of Abraham were all in some ways hidden under a bush on holy ground. At one time they were all lost and afraid. God had told them all not to be afraid. Abraham, their leader had made a covenant with God right in this very place. Here in this same place, Hagar looks up and sees the well that will keep them from ever thirsting again.
These cast-out children of Abraham were all in some ways hidden under a bush on holy ground. At one time they were all lost and afraid. God had told them all not to be afraid. Abraham, their leader had made a covenant with God right in this very place. Here in this same place, Hagar looks up and sees the well that will keep them from ever thirsting again.
The
roots of the Tamarisk tree have grown deeper and deeper and generations and
generations have passed since the days of Abraham, but many, many of his
descendants have remained faithful and loyal to God; no matter where they are,
no matter what their circumstances in life. It
is the story of the Tamerisk tree being told over and over again. It has been played out right before our eyes
in present times too. The Tamerisk Tree speaks of an Eternal God who always keeps His promises. The tree is still alive and well and it is growing today.
The witness of the children of Abraham of The Eternal God has grown slow and strong, putting down roots like the Tamerisk tree, slow and steady, taking a long, long time, hardly noticed at first, overshadowed by the larger trees of the land who are not so flexible and not so strong.
The tamarisk trees have now spread across the lands and the nations. People of God have found the truth of The God of Abraham and followed His Son, Jesus Christ. This means so much to them that they would die before denying the message of the cross of Jesus Christ. They do not seek this death for their own glory, it finds them and allows them to be a true witness; much unlike those men who falsely think that what they do that breaks every commandment of God will bring them honor and glory. True People of God never seek their own honor. They only give glory to God. This is a test that is always accurate. These false self-proclaimed prophets of terrorism who also follow a false prophet seek their own glory and their own benefit. Those who have been willing to die selflessly rather than deny the name and cause of The One True God are the true martyrs. They are the true ones who will be rewarded by God. They are the souls of the martyrs under the altar!
Even today, many more have lost their lives being a witness for this truth that they believe enough to die for. They have kept an unwavering faith in this God of Abraham. They knew without a doubt that they had found the most valuable thing ever. They have been burned, beheaded, tortured and killed, but their witness, like a slow growing Tamerisk tree now spreads its branches and covers a land who seeks for truth. The trees will talk and their voices will be heard throughout eternity. They died for an Eternal God.
If no one else speaks for them; even the very rocks will cry out their witness story; that the God of Abraham is The One True God. Their blood cries out to God even now, just like the blood of the righteous Abel. God will hear. He will honor them. The God of Abraham looks after his people who are tortured, exiled, lost and afraid. He saw that other Egyptian named Hagar and He came to her rescue. The same God who loved Hagar and knew her by name, reaches out to those like her living in the midst of every land today.
The story from the Tamerisk Tree and the story spoken from the blood of the martyrs that call out to God is eternal because it is a story of The One Eternal God - El-Olam - The God of Abraham, and He never changes.
So remember El-Olam, the One Eternal God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when you hear of a well, or a tree, or a bush. Listen for the cry of God that calls out to individuals from every land from a very holy place. He hears. He sees. He is eternal. He wrote the story, and He will finish the story. He knows the beginning from the end. Follow Him. He knows your name! Every name of every true martyr is recorded in His book, The Book of Life. The Lamb guards the book. The Lamb that bought the well of everlasting water from which no man drinking will ever thirst again. The price has been paid. The Father who paid the price through His son is constantly calling out names.
There is only one correct answer when you hear Him calling: "Henini" "Here I Am." That was the answer given by Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Moses, Isaac, David and all of the disciples of Jesus Christ in the new testament. That was the answer of all those who have been recently martyred. "Here I am."
Will that be your answer when He calls your name?
We are living in times when you must decide. You must know your answer. God will show you. He showed Abraham. He showed Hagar. HE showed those who recently followed Him forsaking all else. He always keeps His promises.
The witness of the children of Abraham of The Eternal God has grown slow and strong, putting down roots like the Tamerisk tree, slow and steady, taking a long, long time, hardly noticed at first, overshadowed by the larger trees of the land who are not so flexible and not so strong.
The tamarisk trees have now spread across the lands and the nations. People of God have found the truth of The God of Abraham and followed His Son, Jesus Christ. This means so much to them that they would die before denying the message of the cross of Jesus Christ. They do not seek this death for their own glory, it finds them and allows them to be a true witness; much unlike those men who falsely think that what they do that breaks every commandment of God will bring them honor and glory. True People of God never seek their own honor. They only give glory to God. This is a test that is always accurate. These false self-proclaimed prophets of terrorism who also follow a false prophet seek their own glory and their own benefit. Those who have been willing to die selflessly rather than deny the name and cause of The One True God are the true martyrs. They are the true ones who will be rewarded by God. They are the souls of the martyrs under the altar!
Even today, many more have lost their lives being a witness for this truth that they believe enough to die for. They have kept an unwavering faith in this God of Abraham. They knew without a doubt that they had found the most valuable thing ever. They have been burned, beheaded, tortured and killed, but their witness, like a slow growing Tamerisk tree now spreads its branches and covers a land who seeks for truth. The trees will talk and their voices will be heard throughout eternity. They died for an Eternal God.
If no one else speaks for them; even the very rocks will cry out their witness story; that the God of Abraham is The One True God. Their blood cries out to God even now, just like the blood of the righteous Abel. God will hear. He will honor them. The God of Abraham looks after his people who are tortured, exiled, lost and afraid. He saw that other Egyptian named Hagar and He came to her rescue. The same God who loved Hagar and knew her by name, reaches out to those like her living in the midst of every land today.
The story from the Tamerisk Tree and the story spoken from the blood of the martyrs that call out to God is eternal because it is a story of The One Eternal God - El-Olam - The God of Abraham, and He never changes.
So remember El-Olam, the One Eternal God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when you hear of a well, or a tree, or a bush. Listen for the cry of God that calls out to individuals from every land from a very holy place. He hears. He sees. He is eternal. He wrote the story, and He will finish the story. He knows the beginning from the end. Follow Him. He knows your name! Every name of every true martyr is recorded in His book, The Book of Life. The Lamb guards the book. The Lamb that bought the well of everlasting water from which no man drinking will ever thirst again. The price has been paid. The Father who paid the price through His son is constantly calling out names.
There is only one correct answer when you hear Him calling: "Henini" "Here I Am." That was the answer given by Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Moses, Isaac, David and all of the disciples of Jesus Christ in the new testament. That was the answer of all those who have been recently martyred. "Here I am."
Will that be your answer when He calls your name?
We are living in times when you must decide. You must know your answer. God will show you. He showed Abraham. He showed Hagar. HE showed those who recently followed Him forsaking all else. He always keeps His promises.
