Even the most watchful parent has to sleep. But Scripture makes it clear that God, unlike Bagpuss, never sleeps, “He will not let your foot slip, he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:3-4 [NIV]
In our bleakest moments we can feel all alone, yet El Roi, “the God who sees,” has never lost sight of us and promises to care for us, just as he did for Hagar.
Hagar was an Egyptian slave girl owned by Abraham and Sarah. When Abraham and Sarah were initially unable to conceive a child, Sarah encouraged Abraham to have a child with Hagar. This led to contention between Sarah and Hagar, who became disrespectful towards her mistress after becoming pregnant. Sarah in turn mistreated Hagar, causing her to run off into the wilderness -- an act that meant almost certain death for a young pregnant woman at the time. While in the wilderness, Hagar had a conversation with God -- the first recorded conversation between God and a woman since Eve -- in which God instructed her to return to her mistress. In turn, God made three promises regarding Ishmael. The full story can be found in Genesis.
“Then the Messenger of Yahweh said to her, “You are pregnant, and you will give birth to a son. You will name him Ishmael [God Hears], because Yahweh has heard your cry of distress. Genesis 16:11 [NOG]
“Hagar named Yahweh, who had been speaking to her, “You Are El Roi.” She said, “This is the place where I watched the one who watches over me.” This is why the well is named Beer Lahai Roi [Well of the Living One Who Watches Over Me]. It is still there between Kadesh and Bered.” Genesis 16:13–14 [NOG]
When you struggle to find God’s help or to receive answers to your prayers, remember El Roi – the God who sees you and Ishmael, God Hears.
On Wednesday we listened to El Shaddai, I’m sure Hagar, like myself, could relate to the line “To the outcast on her knees you were the God who really sees.”
If you would like to reflect on some of the many other names of God over the weekend this song is well worth a listen:
Names of God_[YouTube] 3:38 Mins
Dawn Milward
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