“And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me; for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?” (Genesis 16:13).
This week we will look at five different people in the Bible, named or nameless, with these things in common. They each had a physical or spiritual need, a need to be healed, and need for a Savior.
By faith, all received mercy and grace. Jesus saw each one; He sees us today. We must not question His methods. Be glad He sees our needs and stands by to answer when we call upon Him. Most of us our acquainted with the story of Hagar and Sarah’s attempt to rush God’s plan. Most of us don’t take Hagar’s side. God had compassion on her. This leads up to our Scripture today.
Adam Clarke offers these insights on today’s verse. “And she called on the name of the Lord—She invoked the name of Jehovah who spake unto her, thus: Thou God seest me!
She found that the eye of a merciful God had been upon her in all her wanderings and afflictions; and her words seem to intimate that she had been seeking the Divine help and protection, for she says, Have I also (or have I not also) looked after him that seeth me? The last clause of the verse is very obscure and is rendered differently by all the (Bible) versions. The general sense taken out of it is this, that Hagar was now convinced that God himself had appeared unto her, and was surprised to find that, notwithstanding this, she was still permitted to live; for it is generally supposed that if God appeared to any, they must be consumed by his glories.”
How real is God to you? Have you ever felt so close to Him you could hear His heart beating? You may not relate to Hagar’s story. However, whatever need you are facing now, look up. His watchful eyes are watching over you.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the Teagues (Dennis & Carol, Joel & Lydie) serving with FWBIM in France as they grieve the loss of a beloved family member. Gladys Fowler, Carol’s mother and Joel’s grandmother, went home to Heaven this past Thursday. Funeral services were held yesterday at New Hope FWB Church near Ina, Illinois, where she served over 50 years as pianist and participated faithfully in WAC. In God’s timing, both missionary couples were stateside at the time of her death. Joel and Lydie are scheduled to depart for France tomorrow.
