Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-The-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” Genesis 16: 13, NKJV
Precious Lord, please give us insight into Your will, and may we delight to see wonderful things out of Your Word; in Jesus’ name we pray; Amen
Since we are only seven days away from Mother’s Day, I would like to share with you excerpts from sermons I shared at a Women’s Retreat in Kona, Hawaii; and other Women’s Day events in Las Vegas, and at some local churches. Some of the titles may be changed, but the essence of the messages will be the same.
Hagar, the maidservant of Sarai, was given to Abram, Sarai’s husband, with all the rights of ownership, to become his wife, so that Sarai, could have a child, through her. This was never the plan of God, and the results were sure to be disastrous. Because Hagar was Sarai’s property, the child born to Hagar, and Sarai’s husband, would also belong to Sarai. When Hagar became pregnant, her behavior toward her mistress changed. She became puffed up. This attitude on her part caused Sarai to become jealous of her. When she complained to Abram, he gave her back to Sarai, with all the claims to ownership, reminding Sarai that she could “do to her as you please” (16: 6). But, “The-God-Who-Sees,” was watching. Let us observe God’s dealing with Hagar:
Shem Yehovah met her where she was (7). My professor of Theology, Dr. John Webster ,delights in talking about, “the God who comes.” Yes, my friend, when the gulf made by sin became too wide for us to go to God, God came to us! God met her by the “fountain of Shur.” She was probably contemplating making her way back to Egypt.
An encounter with the LORD will reveal the real you and put your life in perspective (8). The Lord called her by her name, Hagar, this is who you are; first and foremost. Right now, you are working, as Sarai’s maid (present). “[W]here have you come from” (past)? “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.” “[A]nd, where are you going” (future)? (1.) Do not confuse what you do with who you are. 2.) In order to go forward, you need to know where you are.
An encounter with the Lord will sometimes lead you to do things that you do not want to do (9). “Return…and submit…” The good news is that after the encounter, you will not have to face anyone, or any situation, alone. “The Angel of the LORD” will be with you! Praise the LORD!
An encounter with the Lord will prepare you to face whatever future awaits you (10-12)! The Angel of the LORD told her: “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly…you are with child…you shall bear a son…You shall call his name Ishmael…he shall be a wild man…his hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand…against him…he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.” It would be real hard to face such a future without the LORD!
An encounter with the Lord creates intimacy (13). “She called the name of the God who spoke to her…” She named her God! She called Him, You-Are-The-God- Who-Sees! But also, “I have seen the God who sees me!” An encounter with the Lord can lead to a relationship! What a wonderful God we serve. He is no respecter of persons. He cares for the lowly, as well as the well to do, and draws close to them.
An encounter with the Lord leaves reminders (11, 15). You will call his name Ishmael (shama, He heard; El, God). Every time she looked at her son, she would remember that, “God heard.” When no one else cared to listen to her cry, God heard! Journaling is a wonderful reminder that God hears!
He will both see, and hear, you too, my friend!