"The God Who Hears and Sees" 9/9/25

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

God hears the cries of the hurting. The story of God's kindness to  Hagar (Genesis 16) is one of many reminders in Scripture.

Fleeing from Sarai's harsh treatment, Hagar was met by the angel of the LORD.

"The angel of the LORD also said to her, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.”  And the angel of the LORD said to her, “Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the LORD has listened to your affliction.  He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.”  So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” - Genesis 16:10-16

The name Ishmael (which means God hears) summarizes the theme of the story of Hagar and her son, for God does indeed hear Hagar and is gracious to her. 

We cannot always escape the consequences of the sins of others (Hagar was enmeshed in the consequences of Abram and Sarah's unbelief), but we must not confuse such pain as meaning God does not care. No, he cares for the slave girl, to the point he will make her the mother of a desert tribe that would one day conquer many nations. And he cares for you, whether you are the one who's been hurt by the foolish choices of others or you've been the one who's sin has hurt others. 

Won't you cry out to Him.

Grace & Peace, 

Matt