By Katelyn J. Dixon
Read: Genesis 16:1-15
“The angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness.” (v. 7)
Today’s passage makes modern readers uncomfortable. Abram and Sarai were unable to conceive, so Sarai gave her slave Hagar to Abram instead — an abusive act that showed a lack of faith in God’s covenant promises. But when Hagar conceived, she looked down on Sarai — the future mother of the people of Israel. Sarai abused Hagar, so Hagar fled into the desert. What are we to do with this complex, messy story?
The presence of such passages in the Bible can serve as a gracious reminder that God is willing to work in our broken and messy places, making wrong things right. Seeing her distress, God sent an angel to Hagar as a visible sign of redemption. Remarkably, Hagar — an Egyptian slave and outcast — is the first person in the Bible to name God: “You are a God of seeing” (v. 13). It is the knowledge that she was seen by God that gave Hagar the courage to return and submit to her mistress Sarai.
What does the presence of God’s angel with Hagar tell us about the heart of God? It shows us that God cares deeply for those who suffer, and that no act of injustice goes unseen by him. The angel’s message also reveals the lavish compassion and redemption God extends to all people — not only the chosen people of Israel. Knowing we are seen and loved by the God of justice and mercy gives us the courage to persevere in suffering.
As you pray, ask God to help you see the one who sees you.
—————
Katelyn J. Dixon is a writer and photographer from Auburn, Wash. When she’s not creating, she enjoys exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband Drew and partnering with him in life and ministry.
Read: Genesis 16:1-15
“The angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness.” (v. 7)
Today’s passage makes modern readers uncomfortable. Abram and Sarai were unable to conceive, so Sarai gave her slave Hagar to Abram instead — an abusive act that showed a lack of faith in God’s covenant promises. But when Hagar conceived, she looked down on Sarai — the future mother of the people of Israel. Sarai abused Hagar, so Hagar fled into the desert. What are we to do with this complex, messy story?
The presence of such passages in the Bible can serve as a gracious reminder that God is willing to work in our broken and messy places, making wrong things right. Seeing her distress, God sent an angel to Hagar as a visible sign of redemption. Remarkably, Hagar — an Egyptian slave and outcast — is the first person in the Bible to name God: “You are a God of seeing” (v. 13). It is the knowledge that she was seen by God that gave Hagar the courage to return and submit to her mistress Sarai.
What does the presence of God’s angel with Hagar tell us about the heart of God? It shows us that God cares deeply for those who suffer, and that no act of injustice goes unseen by him. The angel’s message also reveals the lavish compassion and redemption God extends to all people — not only the chosen people of Israel. Knowing we are seen and loved by the God of justice and mercy gives us the courage to persevere in suffering.
As you pray, ask God to help you see the one who sees you.
—————
Katelyn J. Dixon is a writer and photographer from Auburn, Wash. When she’s not creating, she enjoys exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband Drew and partnering with him in life and ministry.
