Show Don't Tell: Genesis 21:8-21

Instead of saying "Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away," feel the weight of the water skin. Isaac is weaned—a feast, celebration—but Sarah sees Ishmael mocking. "Get rid of that slave woman and her son!" Abraham rises early—before he can change his mind—puts bread and water on Hagar's shoulders, and sends her into the desert. Watch the water run out. Watch Hagar put Ishmael under a bush and walk away because she cannot watch him die. Hear her sobbing. Then God's voice: "What is the matter, Hagar?" He opens her eyes to a well. The boy will live. He will become a nation. But the cost—feel the cost of Abraham's long-ago shortcut.