The unfolding drama of Isaac, Ishmael, and the Great Commission reveals a redemptive plan that centers around the Middle East, and we are living in a generation where its events reverberate globally. The dire situation in the Middle East, marked by unprecedented refugee crises and the decimation of historically Christian populations, may elicit despair, but biblical promises offer a counterbalance of hope.
Ishmael’s Mistake: A Complex Journey of Redemption
The story begins with Ishmael, born as an answer to Hagar’s prayers. Yet, his future is foretold to be fraught with conflict, a wild existence with enmity towards others. Ishmael’s critical mistake, however, stems from his rejection of Isaac as the covenant son. This rejection, identified by Paul as persecution in Galatians 4, led to Ishmael and Hagar’s expulsion from Abraham’s household.
It’s crucial to note that Ishmael’s expulsion was not a result of God’s rejection; rather, it was a consequence of Ishmael’s mockery of Isaac. Sarah, perceiving a threat to Isaac’s destiny, compelled Abraham to send Ishmael and Hagar away. Ishmael’s laughter, interpreted as persecution, revealed a rejection of his younger brother’s divine calling.
Ishmael’s Promise: A Prophetic Vision of Redemption
And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.”
Genesis 21:17-18 (ESV)
In the intricate pattern of Ishmael’s life, prophetic events unfolded. Hagar, once a slave in Abraham’s household, found hope in Ishmael’s birth, a chance at dignity. However, Ishmael’s rejection of Isaac shattered their hopes, leading to their expulsion and Hagar’s despair.
Amid Hagar’s anguish, the Angel of the Lord appeared with a promise: Ishmael would become a great nation. Not merely numerous but qualitatively great, reflecting the nature of God’s promise. This divine pledge was not just a reassurance of numerous descendants but a declaration of a remarkable destiny.
Ishmael’s Redemption: A Cry for Destiny
And God heard the voice of the boy.
Genesis 21:17 (ESV)
Ishmael’s name, meaning “The Lord Hears,” is significant in the prophetic narrative. In Genesis 21, Ishmael, suffering in the wilderness due to his rejection of God’s purposes for Isaac, released a cry. His cry, born out of his suffering and rejection, caught the attention of the Lord. Ishmael’s destiny, shaped by his name, involves intercession and a profound cry that becomes key to his redemption.
This cry, not a coincidence, aligns with the descendants of Ishmael being known for prayer. The Lord, in His redemptive plan, will use the cry of Ishmael’s descendants to fulfill the promise of greatness. This cry, echoing through the ages, will play a pivotal role in their restoration.
God’s Plan for Family Redemption: A Grand Narrative Unfolding
In a divine reversal, the descendants of Ishmael, once rejected from the family, will play a unique role in provoking their brother Isaac to salvation. This family controversy, rooted in Abraham’s tents, is approaching resolution through the redemptive work of Jesus. God, committed to Ishmael’s promise, is orchestrating a powerful witness that involves the descendants of Ishmael speaking tenderly to their estranged brother Isaac.
Paul’s Profound Prediction—Provocation: Unveiling God’s Mystery
So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.
Romans 11:11 (ESV)
This prediction suggests a great revival among the sons of Ishmael, fulfilling the promise made to Hagar. It envisions a community of Gentile believers reaching fullness and becoming instruments of provocation, creating a transformative witness in the Middle East.
Implications of Paul’s Prediction: The Future of the Great Commission
As Jewish immigration to Israel is expected to increase, the provocation foreseen by Paul gains depth. The proximity and relationships necessary for this provocation imply a substantial community of Gentile believers in the Middle East reaching fullness. This prediction is not just about Israel’s salvation; it foretells a great revival among the descendants of Ishmael, becoming a catalyst for a profound witness.
Conclusion: The Unfolding Redemption
In the midst of global events, the redemptive narrative of Isaac, Ishmael, and the Great Commission unveils a divine plan. Ishmael’s redemption, marked by a cry for destiny, sets the stage for a powerful revival among his descendants. The descendants of Ishmael, once expelled and rejected, will play a pivotal role in the family redemption saga, provoking their estranged brother Isaac to salvation.
This profound prediction, threaded into the fabric of biblical prophecy, underscores the intricate plan of God. As we navigate the complexities of the Middle East and the Great Commission, the story of Ishmael reminds us of God’s commitment to redeem every tribe and tongue, bringing hope to the seemingly hopeless situations and nations. The cry of Ishmael, echoing through the ages, heralds a future where the redemption of Isaac and Ishmael converges in a glorious display of God’s mercy and love.
A.F.O.S.O.M., an anonymous contributor, involve with MFAM, helping Unreached People Group (Southeast Asia) Believers be connected with other authentic believers and helping to strengthen their faith. A.F.O.S.O.M transitioned from Islam to Christianity when he was 16, he attends a Singapore charismatic church, and writes for ‘Beholding Messiah‘ blog.
This article is my personal notes that I read from the book “Israel and the Great Commission—How the Great Commission Fulfills God’s Purpose for Israel and the Nations” by Samuel Whitefield.
