A MESSAGE FROM REV. KAREN KINNEY: THE GOD WHO SEES ME
Grace and peace to you,
This Sunday, we will explore Hagar’s story. You might recall that last week, Abram was promised descendants, but years go by in this wilderness journey and Sarai does not become pregnant. So Sarai “gives” her Egyptian slave girl, Hagar, to Abram to be his wife (remember, there were multiple wives and concubines in those days).
Hagar conceives and taunts Sarai so Sarai treats 
her cruelly, driving her out into the wilderness. This is a really difficult story because in reality Hagar has no choice in the decision to “give” her to Abram.
In the wilderness (Genesis, Chapter 16), Hagar meets the Lord’s messenger who comforts her and tells her it isn’t time yet to leave Sarai so go back. She names the Lord who spoke to her, El Roi, which translates into “The God who sees me” or “The God who sees.”
Hagar is the first person in the Biblical narrative to see an Angel of the Lord and to give God a name. This is a God who sees, even those who are most pushed to the edges of society, cast out, scapegoated. This is a God who sees all, loves all.
Later in Chapter 21 we will pick up Hagar’s story as she again runs to the wilderness afraid she and the son she bears will die. And again, the Lord’s messenger will find her and give her what she and her son need to survive. Moreover, promises are made to Hagar and her son to make him a great nation. Hagar’s wilderness journey has led her to a journey full of hope, promise and the assurance of God’s presence.
What can we learn from Hagar’s story about being seen, but perhaps more importantly, seeing as El Roi sees – beyond the things like labels, disgust, disapproval, mistrust – that we put on others or are put on us? What can we learn about trusting God in our greatest moments of despair – when all seems lost and nothing can be recovered? What can we learn about seeing and serving those who are despairing or being scapegoated?
Come and see. Come and explore.
Blessings,
Pastor Karen