God Sees You in Your Mess
In the intricate tapestry of Scripture, the names of God serve as windows, offering glimpses into the depth of His character, personality, and nature. Each name unveils a facet of who God is and how He relates to His people. As we embark on a series exploring the names of God, we delve into the first installment: "El Roi," the God who sees from Genesis 16.
I. The God Who Sees Me: In a world where visibility often translates to significance, many of us yearn to be seen. We share our lives on social media, striving to connect, yet deep down, we may feel unseen, unknown, and undervalued. The story begins with Hagar, an Egyptian slave woman living in the shadows until God intervenes.
II. The God Who is Ignored: Abram and Sarai are introduced as part of this narrative. Despite God's promise of descendants, they grapple with the reality of Sarah's barrenness. Ignoring God's timing, they attempt to expedite His plan. Sarai tells Abram to go and have a child with Hagar.
This illustrates the danger of trying to help God instead of waiting on His promises, highlighting the mess we create when we ignore His timing and take matters into our own hands.
III. The God Who Sees: There is hope amid the chaos caused by human impatience and self-reliance. After having Abram’s child, Sarai gets jealous and runs Hagar out of town. In verse 7, we find Hagar in despair, fleeing for her life. Yet, in her lowest moment, God seeks her out. This encounter introduces the concept of "Theophany," a visible manifestation of God to humanity, foreshadowing the ultimate Theophany in the person of Jesus Christ.
Hagar, naming God "El Roi," the God who sees me, acknowledges three profound truths:
God knew where she was and sent His angel to her.
God knew her name, recognizing her individuality.
God treated her as a person, unlike others who had treated her as mere property.
This demonstrates that God sees and hears us in good and bad times.
In times of uncertainty and despair, we are reassured that God sees us and comes to us. As we reflect on El Roi, the God who sees us in our mess, let us embrace the truth that God not only sees but also comes to redeem us through the work of His son, Jesus Christ.
