The angel tells Hagar her son will be wild and strong, at odds with everyone. Ishmael's destiny is described as conflict - he'll be a wild donkey of a man.
That's not the blessing of peaceful domestication. It's blessing for a wild, untamed person. Ishmael's not being promised comfort or resolution. He's being promised strength to survive as a wild man.
I think about children who are wild - who don't fit into systems easily. The angel's prophecy suggests that's not a problem to fix. It's a nature to honor.
No comments yet. Be the first.