In Genesis 21 we find another disturbing story: Abraham casting out his own son Ishmael and his maidservant Hagar, who both nearly die in the desert. While it would be easy to pass over this story, there are significant lessons here, some which Paul explains in Galatians 4. This story offers significant challenges and hope to Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. The lesson also addresses what Paul meant (and did not mean) when he referenced the story of Hagar and Ishmael to explain the freedom we have in Christ.