Finally look at how the story ends. Hagar and Ishmael walk in the wilderness until they run out of water. Supporting her son, Hagar lays him down in the shade, and walks off. She gives up, and does not even cry out to the Lord. But we hear the sweetest words in the Bible. The Lord heard the boy crying. Ishmael received the full blessing of his name, God heard him and saved him from death.
- God Loves Sinners
Why did God do that? Why did he give Hagar a well, provide blessing for Ishmael, give him success hunting and make him into a great nation. Why did God hear the voice of an unbeliever, someone who has rejected the covenant and who mocked Isaac the covenant child? Does God answer the prayers of unbelievers? Why?
Because God loves sinners. It is the most clear message in all the bible. God loves sinners. He gives life to sinners. He promises to never again destroy the earth though every thought of man’s heart is only evil all the time.
God loves sinners, and that is the best news you will ever hear. There will come times, many times when you will think God wants nothing to do with you. You will feel your conscience bruised and think God is ashamed of you, and wants nothing to do with you. You will feel vulnerable, like everyone is looking at you and thinking you have no right to be in the church, you have no right to be at the Lord’s table. I want you to hear it now and loud, God loves sinners, and if you want to feast on God’s love you are welcome to come here and do it.
- But Sinners Miss God
God loves sinners with a purpose: God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
Sometimes it does. Why did the prodigal son return home? He remembered that his father was so good, even his slaves ate well. He had wanted to get far away from home to enjoy freedom. Now he knew joy could only be freely had at home.
Oftentimes God’s kindness does not lead to repentance: Lee Strobel was an avid atheist when his first child was born. The nurses rushed his child to the NICU, and Strobel went to his knees, begging God to save his daughter. Hours later, the nurses returned to tell him everything would be fine. He got off his knees, and returned to his atheism before he walked out of the hospital door.
How about you, what is God’s kindness doing for you?
Are you afraid to believe in the happy ending? Is it too good for you to believe?
God has sacrificed his own son to remove all barriers between him and you. He has come to you, and offered you a feast – will you come home to enjoy it?
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