# 186 Blood Is Thicker Than Water

The Book of Genesis

Day 186

Ge 21:8 So the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the same day that Isaac was weaned.  9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing. 10 Therefore she said to Abraham, "Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac.” 11 And the matter was very displeasing in Abraham's sight because of his son.

Isaac grows and about the age of 2, Abraham throws a great big party, and Sarah notices that Ishmael (who was about 14 at this time) is scoffing about the whole deal.  We weren’t at the party so we really don’t know what this scoffing entailed, but judging by Sarah’s reaction, it must’ve had something to do with Ishmael’s standing as Abraham’s first born son.This scoffing by Ishmael, was just what Sarah was likely waiting for. In her mind, she now had cause to cast out Ishmael and secure the inheritance rights of Isaac.

Abraham does not receive this news very well. He was “displeased.” Frankly that word isn’t strong enough. The Hebrew word carries with it the idea of being broken in pieces! Why was Abraham so devastated? Verse 10 says because Ishmael was his son.

Let’s get the some understanding here of how strong the connection is between biological parents and their children. It might be helpful to see and grasp as mom and dad and siblings work through the issues of a blended family.  You’ve heard it said that blood is thicker than water….how true!

Ishmael was part and parcel of the flesh and blood of Abraham. This is an irrevocable fact. Laws may be passed, and judgments handed down regarding custody of children, but no law can remove the genetic bond between natural parents and their children. This is one of the reasons that custody battles often turn very bitter.

Sarah’s bond with Isaac was just as strong as Abraham’s bond with Ishmael, and she would do all she could to protect him and his inheritance.

This dilemma is still with us today due to the plethora of divorces and remarriages in our society and in the church. What to do? 

First and foremost is to return to God’s guidelines for sex and marriage in the first place!  But, having said that, if you now find yourself outside the original plan, make the best of it. “Go and sin no more” as Jesus put it. And then remember this new reality of blended families will bring with it very strong emotions with all involved. Therefore, make it a matter of continual prayer asking God to give you  the wisdom, the love, the forgiveness, the patience, you will need when these emotions flare up.