Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

You are the God who Sees Me
Read Genesis 16:1-16

She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." Genesis 16:13

Sarai’s manipulation to resolve her problem of barrenness had an adverse effect. After becoming pregnant with Abram’s child, Hagar’s attitude towards Sarai changed.

Abram put Hagar into Sarai’s hand, giving Sarai authority to do as she wished. Neither Abram nor Sarai called Hagar by name, even though they did not address her as slave either. The text stresses that Hagar was an Egyptian–an outsider. Unable to stand the harsh treatment, Hagar fled towards her original home in Egypt. In a way, Sarai and Abram sent Hagar away.

Being compassionate, God revealed Himself to Hagar, calling her by name (v 8). Thus, Hagar became the first person in Genesis to be met by an angel of God and the first woman to be directly given promises. She gave God the name of 'El-roi' which means 'You are a God who sees me' (v 13).

Hagar had a personal experience with a compassionate God. As a ‘non-chosen’ one fleeing from an oppressive mistress, God saw her desperate situation and came to give her comfort and assurance. So she called God as she knew Him.

Pray that the ‘God who sees’ will appear to someone you know who is going through/ escaping from hardships.

Interest in today’s text sometimes focuses on the history of the Ishmaelites, commonly associated with the Muslim people. If God has compassion on the 'non-chosen', what should be our attitude towards our Muslim neigbours?