It is traditional for the oldest son, usually the first born in Texas to
have the nickname of Bubba. Over the years though too many have become Bubbas,
and the reference has become diluted. But still my ears perk up when in the
Lone State and I hear someone at the table being referred to as Bubba. Within
certain families it is still a respected title and position. The Italians have
their Bubba, they call him Sonny. As in Sonny Corleone. Being the first born
gave him a status and also a responsibility in family matters, and he like
Bubba, was the first to inherit the throne when Papa passed on. He was groomed
to accept responsibility, and also got the first fruits as the oldest. He was
favored, and many enjoyed the power and position of being the first born.
We will call him Ishmael, for that is his name. Born of Hagar, when Sarai,
when she lost patience with God and His promise of a son, she told Abram to
sleep with her, and they had Ishmael. But God, being true to His promises,
wasn’t done yet, and some 13 years later Isaac was born from Sarai, now Sarah.
Fulfilling His promise, His way, not Sarah’s. Giving a party for Isaac, when he
was weaned, when at the party, when others were laughing, Isaac means laughter,
she heard Hagar and Ishmael mocking him, making fun of him. And she told
Abraham, “get rid of them.” A sudden change in her had produced anger to them,
and Ishmael, who once was the only child, and in line for he promise of God, was
banished. Breaking Abraham’s heart, for he loved His son. Both his sons. And
you have to pity poor Ishmael, this Bubba of 4000 years ago. One day the next
in line, the next out of line, and on his own. But God heard his mother’s plea,
and reminded Abraham of His promise. True, his lineage would be through Isaac,
and would become the Jewish people, but Ishmael would also become the lineage of
a people, the Arabs. And since then, since that day, when the two were
separated, the nations they fathered have never gotten along. With one
exception, the burial of their father, for when Abraham died, they both attended
the funeral, and made peace, if only for the day. One father, two mothers, two
sons, and one promise. Two nations. God honoring all the promises, but finding
favor with Isaac, whose name means laughter, to get the birthright over
Ishmael. But God not forgetting Ishmael, and making him a father of a great
nation, just not a blessed one. And for 4000 years, the brothers fight still
continues today.
Like many, I can relate to Ishmael more than Isaac. Living the great life,
having a good time, when along comes a circumstance that changes everything.
The boss calls you in-fired. The doctor calls you in-life flight or die. Your
house faces foreclosure, the bank wants to repo your car. Your wife falls out
of love, and wants a divorce, and suddenly all is wrong with the world. Your
world. And too many times we look at the circumstances, instead of the cross.
We forget the promises of God, and doubt, fear, and confusion take over. “Where
is God when I need Him?” And we become bitter, just like Ishmael. But God
never forgot, and He never forgets, He too knows the pain of losing someone.
And reminds us of Jesus, and when we turn to Him, see the promises of God
fulfilled. A choice we make, follow the Lord, and watch as He makes us a way,
or become bitter, and having the doubters make fun of us. Thinking God forgot,
when it is us who forgot, and turned away. It is the tough times that Jesus is
there, and many tough times are to show His love. He is the great physician,
but you must get sick to need one. He is the great comforter, showing
compassion in times of trouble, but we see Him more in those times, how easy we
forget when things go our way. He provides when we can’t and has all along, it
is foolish to think our job did, God provided that one too. And He even shows
His grace, when things get tough and we forget, He still loves us, and takes
care of us. No three strike law with grace, even Jesus answered to forgive
7x70, 490 times for us public school attendees. What may seem to us as
forgetful, is really part of the plan. Sarah lost patience, and then banished
the gift she thought she had ordained. But Hagar, Ishmael’s mom, never forgot.
She loved her son. And Abraham loved his son, too.
“For God so loved the world,” we quote, John 3:16, yet we forget that love
is patient when things don’t go our way. We rebel, and turn away. Thinking we
know best, that we deserve all the favor. Yet as we know, Abraham in all this
was called to sacrifice his son-only at the last minute did God intervene with
the ram. His plan all the time, but He wanted to see how much Abraham really
loved Him. So Abraham could see God’s love for Him. After all, didn’t He
promise tat Israel would be through Isaac? Today you may be facing a trial like
Abraham, and you ask “where is the ram? Where is the promise of God?” Fact is
they never left, they are the same today, as they were yesterday, and will be
tomorrow. But you must turn to God, trust Him,and not lean on your own desires,
understanding or experience. It is in the darkest hour that light shines
brightest, and God shines the brightest. We may not all be Bubbas, or Sonny’s,
but we all will have times of Ishmael. Hang on to the promise of Jesus-“I will
never leave you, nor forsake you.” Patience leads to salvation, and out of the
situation. And the mightiest have the same testimony, Joseph in the well after
being sold by his brothers, King David after the death of his son Absalom, and
even God, turning out the lights on earth after the death of His son on the
cross. But where there is pain in the night, we find Joy in the morning. Three
days later Jesus rose, the grave empty. David gets an insight to heaven,
Absalom cannot come to him, but he can go to Absalom. And Joseph becomes the
next in line to Pharaoh. And provides food for his family. Ironic as he was
the next to youngest, the 11th son, and became the Bubba, or Sonny of the
family. Got has a plan for all you Josephs, Absaloms, Ishmaels, and every Tom,
Dick, and Harry. For all who call on His name, will be saved. And delivered,
something the lesson of Ishmael reminds us of.
So don’t wait until a funeral to get back with God. Don’t let it take a
catastrophe like Ishmael did to gain your inheritance. It is available right
now, let God be God, and all men liars. And watch as when you seek Him first,
then all things will be added unto you. It works in Texas, and for Bubbas
everywhere, and even for the Godfather. Jesus, now that is an offer God makes
that you can’t refuse! God hasn’t forgotten about you, take the time to turn to
Him today. Abraham was over 100 years old at the time, and God honored Him. I
hope you don’t have to wait that long, but if you do, you aren’t alone. The
wait is worth it, and heaven awaits. It will all seem so short in eternity, so
let’s begin now. Today in Christ, is truly the first day of the rest of your
life. Call me Ishmael, for I am blessed.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspto.com