The God Who Sees Me

Ishmael was passed over in favor of Isaac to be the father of God’s chosen people—Israel. Ishmael instead became the father of the nation that is thought to be the origin of the Arab people, out of whom the religion of Islam came. There is much discussion about the rejection of Ishmael and how this caused the enmity between descendants of Isaac and Ishmael that prevails to this day. I contest that another, more beautiful inheritance came through the line of Ishmael. It originated with his mother, Hagar.

She was the slave of Sarah—abused and exploited—with no power to say no when she was given to Abraham as a second wife. When she conceived a child, her mistreatment continued. She fled into the desert, where God met her. He spoke to her about the son she was carrying and told her what to do next. She is then given the honor of being the first person in scripture to give a name to God, calling him “El-Roi,” meaning “The God who sees me.”

Later, when Hagar was sent away from Abraham and Sarah, God met her again in the wilderness. He encouraged her, reminded her of His promises, and cared for her and Ishmael’s needs. Although Hagar’s story is filled with sadness and suffering, it also shows God's kindness and care. May Muslims take hold of this inheritance, that they are known by “The God who sees them.”

Prayer

Lord, I know that You see the many Muslims who are suffering under the power of sadness, rejection, powerlessness, and abuse. In their afflictions, please help them to turn to You. May they, like Hagar, come to know the God who sees them, knows them, and wants to take care of them.