El Roi – "The God Who Sees"

We are introduced to God as El Roi by Hagar in Genesis 16v13

Hagar was given to Abram by Sarai to conceive on her behalf. When Hagar becomes pregnant, her attitude towards Sarai changed, she treats her with contempt, despises and mocks her. In return Sarai begins to harshly mistreat Hagar. So much so that Hagar runs away.

She finds herself in the wilderness. God shows up. The angel of the LORD asks Hagar "where have you come from and where are you going?". Hagar replies by saying she has run away from her mistress, but doesn't say why.

God knew all sides of the story. The angel tells Hagar she is to return and submit to the authority of Sarai.

Scripture tells us in Genesis 16v9 that in the submission is the blessing of countless descendants. Hagar is given the prophecy that she is pregnant with a son and he shall be called Ishmael which means "God hears", for the LORD has heard your cry of distress.

The beautiful acknowledgement of Hagar, V13 "You are the God who sees me! Have I truly seen the One who sees me?"

Hagar would return to Sarai, and would respond in submission.

Hagar in seeing God, came to know and understand His love for her.

Proverbs 15v3 tells us that the eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch over the wicked and the good.

Psalms 33v13-15 gives us the encouragement that God looks down from heaven, and observers the ones whom He has made, He made our hearts and understands us.

Hagar, where have you come from, where are you going?

God asks us this too at times. His response would be to ask us to surrender back to the will of the Father, the one who sees us, who hears us, who knows us who understands us.

In the surrender, is locked up the blessings of the Father, more countless than we could imagine.

A prayer over the ladies:

LORD, how wonderful it is to know that You see me. Even when I feel that no one sees or knows my battles, You see and You hear and You know. May I never forget that your eyes are ever upon me.