El Roï - The God Who Sees

God sees

Do you know the story from Genesis 16? You've just read one verse of it. It's about Hagar. The Angel of the Lord - probably God himself - finds her in the desert, near a well. Hagar is fleeing because of the complex and sad situation she is in. He sees her and doesn't leave her alone in her problems. And that is also what Hagar later calls God: "You are the God who sees me". Beautiful isn't it?

God is not far away and too busy with all kinds of things to see you. No, He is near and He sees you. He knows you and is intensely involved in everything that happens in your life.

You see the same with Nathanael (John 1) and the woman in Samaria (John 4). Jesus saw Nathanael even before Philip came to him, and this woman at the well was also seen by him, while everybody else tried to avoid her. She came there in the heat of the day for a reason, and Jesus too was there for a reason. It says so catchily, "He had to go through Samaria". He had to meet her. He had to see her.

Do you realize that Jesus sees you that way too? Do you see how in His "seeing" Jesus comforts people, encourages them, and draws them close?

Who do you see?

When we follow Jesus, the idea is to become more and more like Him. So that people see Him, Christ, in you.

(By the way, did you know that this was the reason why the word 'Christians' came into use? Something like: "We see so much of Jesus, the Christ, in you - that we call you 'Christian'". Cool right? Just read Acts 11:26).

As Jesus sees us, so may we look at others. With His eyes. With His love. With His compassion.

Do you realize that there are so many people around you who are alone? Who are not seen? Literally "being overlooked"? Do you see them?

Maybe that sounds like a very big question, but is there one person around you that you can "see"? One person you can look after?

Yet another application.

Jesus sees you. He sees who you are, but He also sees something ín you. He knows your qualities, your talents and He wants to use them and let them flourish.

What do you see in others? Can you name the beautiful gifts and talents someone has? Can you encourage them and perhaps give them a place where they can flourish?

Think about the following questions:

• Jesus sees you. How do you feel about that? Does it make you happy, or does it also scare you a bit?
• Are there people around you who are "overlooked"? Can you look after (one of) them?
• What qualities and talents do you see in others? Can you encourage two people today by telling them what you see?

Prayer:

"Lord, thank You that You are the God who sees me. You know me, You made me, and You are so intensely involved in my life. Thank You for that! Help me, Lord, to see others in the same way. Help me to have an eye for people who are lonely, perhaps shunned by others. And help me Lord to name the beautiful things You have put in others. Thank You El Roï, the God who sees. Amen"