GENESIS 16:13-16: “Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; observe, it is between Kadesh and Bered. So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.” NKJV
OBSERVATION: Have you ever wondered if God really sees and hears us during our times of need? We know what the promises of Scripture say. Yet, many times there is a disconnect between what we know and how we feel. Truth be told, in our times of deepest need, God can seem very far away.
This wonderful account of the Lord and Hagar reminds us of the faithfulness and love of God. His love is not just extended to us when we are walking in faith. His love is also extended to us when we are in our deepest times of doubt and despair. In fact, it is in those times that we meet Him in a very special way.
Hagar was not in the line of promise. She was an Egyptian handmaiden of Sarah. God had promised a son to Abraham and Sarah, but Sarah was unable to conceive. Instead of seeking the Lord, Abraham and Sarah did what so many of us do. Abraham and Sarah went to Plan B. Plan B was Hagar. If Sarah could not conceive a son for Abraham, then perhaps she could have a son through her handmaiden Hagar.
Hagar conceived immediately. When Sarah realized this she regretted her Plan B and despised Hagar. Sarah, with Abraham’s consent, banished Hagar from their camp. It is in this time of rejection, loneliness, and despair, that God appears to Hagar.
Hagar, in the culture of the day, had done nothing wrong. She had obeyed the instructions of Sarah. And, now, she was being punished for her obedience. Hagar was not in the line of promise. She was not a part of the people of God. In fact, Hagar came from a culture that did not even worship Yahweh. And, yet, God in His mercy and grace appears to Hagar.
Now, before one’s mind runs off with the ongoing conflict that resulted between Hagar’s son Ishmael and Sarah’s son Isaac, let’s focus on what is happening here in the moment. In the moment, a lost and rejected woman with child, is met by the Angel of God. Many Bible commentators believe this to be a visitation by the pre-incarnate Christ. And, since God never changes, we see the heart of God revealed in Christ reaching out to the lost heart of Hagar.
Hagar had no expectation of meeting God. She had no faith to believe that God was attentive to her situation. And, to think that God actually saw her plight and heard her cry, was beyond her understanding. This is what prompted her response,
- “Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?”
Hagar did not know God by His covenant name. The gods she knew were made of wood and stone. In her limited understanding she called out to God in the only way she could. She called out to God in the way He had revealed Himself to her.
He was the – GOD WHO SEES!
Most of us do not find ourselves in the depth of desperation that Hagar was in. We are not homeless, expecting a child, and with no hope of survival because we lack all means of support. Yet, whatever problem we may be facing, it can seem as impossible as the situation Hagar found herself in. And, when we are in this place, God’s presence can seem far away.
Yet – the good news is GOD SEES!
He sees, He hears, and He is always present! In fact, there is not one cry, one pray, one concern of our heart that He is not aware of and attentive to. Hagar could not see God – but God could see Hagar. God’s faithfulness does not depend on us sensing His faithfulness. God’s faithfulness stands because it is part of His nature and He never changes.
As we stand upon the precipice of a New Year we can only see the moment. Yet – GOD SEES! And, He not only sees – GOD CARES! He has promised His presence to those who call upon His name. And, He always stands on our behalf interceding for us according to the will of God!
Lord, this morning, thank you for reminding me that You are the GOD WHO SEES! Thank You for Your faithfulness, love, and constant care. Help me to rise up in faith and trust You with all the cares and concerns of my life for the upcoming year.
- “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:6-7 NKJV
In Jesus Name!
