Banquet With The King: God’s Compassion and Comfort

When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion. But Sarah saw Ishmael—the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar—making fun of her son, Isaac. So she turned to Abraham and demanded, "Get rid of that slave woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won't have it!" This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael was his son. But God told Abraham, "Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. But I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar's son because he is your son, too." So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar's shoulders. Then he sent her away with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba. When the water was gone, she put the boy in the shade of a bush. Then she went and sat down by herself about a hundred yards away. "I don't want to watch the boy die," she said, as she burst into tears. But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, "Hagar, what's wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants." Then God opened Hagar's eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink. Genesis 21:8-19 NLT

Meditate. Consider God’s compassion.

So Ishmael was teasing the toddler Isaac. If he’d treasured his little brother, would there have been a division in the family? Good question, but futile at this point. Siblings tease, taunt, and terrify each other. Usually, that’s life and it seems that it was no different in Abraham’s family. Sarah wasn’t going to have her precious little one put down by his older half-brother—so away them. Hagar was forced to leave. Abraham prepared food. Was it comfort food—or just some bread and cheese for them to carry along the road that was ahead?

Water is essential to life.

Hagar wandered aimlessly. Nowhere to go—no one to run to. The food was gone…and then the water. No one can live long without water in the wilderness. Beersheba was at the edge of the Negev desert, so it was likely hot and dry—but there was a well there. Did God create that well just for Hagar? At any rate, God compassionately provided water for this Mom to comfort her son. Ishmael’s name means “God hears” which is just what He did. Additionally, God provided hope for Hagar when He promised her that He would make a great nation of her son’s descendants, which began with his twelve sons. Those are the Arabs who continue to have conflicts with Israel. Great nations fighting against each other.

Does God hear you as He heard Hagar and her son crying? Does He provide comfort for you as He did for Hagar? What do you think?

Prayer – Lord God, give us wisdom as we try to understand Your plan for Israel and the nations that are continually in conflict. Thank you for hearing our cries from the desert times in our lives, for comforting each of us, and giving us hope. That is the hope of an eternal home with You because of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.

Verse of Salvation ~ But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 ESV

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Comfort food. What food is your comfort food? My brother, Joe, responded to this question with “Polenta” which surprised me since it was not a food that was important to our family. Here’s a recipe to test as a new comfort food for you. I like it!

Perfect Polenta

Ingredients

4 cups water

1 teaspoon fine salt

1 cup polenta

3 tablespoons butter, divided

½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for garnish

Directions

1. 1. Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan; pour polenta slowly into boiling water, whisking constantly until there are no lumps.

Reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking often, until polenta starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Polenta mixture should still be slightly loose. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, whisking every few minutes. When polenta is too thick to whisk, stir with a wooden spoon. Polenta is done when texture is creamy and the individual grains are tender. Cooking time will depend on the polenta grind.
Turn off heat and gently stir 2 tablespoons butter into polenta until butter partially melts; mix 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese into polenta until cheese has melted. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
Stir polenta and transfer to a serving bowl. Top polenta with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and about 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish.

From Allrecipes.

Especially good with some BBQ meat and a simple tossed green salad.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Banquet With The King

Friday, November 14, 2025

God’s Compassion and Comfort

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