THE ONE WHO SEES ME 

By Jen Weaver 

The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur. The angel said to her, "Hagar, Sarai's servant, where have you come from, and where are you going? Genesis 16:7–8 (NLT)

We first meet Hagar in Genesis 16 as her story is progressing from terrible to worse. A servant far from her homeland, impregnated by her master, Abram, and mistreated by his wife, Sarai, she can't bear the harsh treatment any longer. Hagar flees to the wilderness as a pregnant woman with no provision and no plan. Here in this desolate place, “the angel of the Lord” appears to her—the first time this unique phrase occurs in Scripture.     

Many theologians believe the angel of the Lord mentioned here and throughout the Bible is a theophany—a visible appearance of Jesus on earth before He was born as a babe in a manger. That would mean while Hagar was in despair and wandering alone in the desert, Jesus went looking for her. 

As they meet there in the midst of her hardship, the angel of the Lord reveals His love for her. He calls her by name and reveals how much He cares for Hagar. Prior to this moment, every time Abram and Sarai spoke of Hagar, she’s simply referred to as “my servant” or “your slave.” Can you imagine how demoralizing that must have been for her? But the first word Jesus says to her is her name—“Hagar.” He wanted her to know that He saw her and knew her. And that is the same love and care He has for you and me. He knows you by name. He knows your condition and your circumstances. 

I’m encouraged when I consider how God didn’t need to take on a human body with human eyes to see her, yet He chose to come in a form that Hagar could see. Why? Perhaps solely so Hagar could see Him looking after her and through this encounter, understand His love in a new way. In the moment she feels the most invisible, Hagar sees the One who cares for her yet struggles to believe it. She asks in wonder: “Have I really seen Him here who sees me?” (Genesis 16:13). 

Him? Here? In this forsaken place. In a situation I didn’t expect. In circumstances I never wanted. After I’ve handled things poorly and made my problems even worse. Here? 

Yes, there. God makes even the wilderness work in our favor. When He meets with us there, He shows us that we are seen and we are heard by the One who looks after us. 

Are you in a wilderness? Do you need hope for your future? Be encouraged today—God can and will meet you where you are. 

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for being the One who sees me. I ask You to open my eyes that I may see You here with me in the hard places of this season. I want to receive and experience Your love in greater measure. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Memory Verse

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV)