Genesis 16: Shortcut with Hagar

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Core Message

Impatience with God’s timing creates harm, but God still sees and speaks to the overlooked.

Flow

• Sarai’s plan with Hagar; power imbalance leads to contempt.
• Hagar flees; the Angel of the LORD finds her in the wilderness.
• Promise over Ishmael; a named God: “El Roi.”
• Hagar returns; tension remains, but promise continues.

Key Verses

• 16:2 “Perhaps I shall obtain children by her.”
  • Apply: beware shortcuts that weaponize others.
• 16:13 “You are the God who sees me.”
  • Apply: God meets you in flight and names your future.

Notes

• The angel’s command to return is descriptive of that moment, not a blanket rule to endure abuse.
• Naming God “El Roi” is unique; theology from the margins.

Today’s Practice

• Name one area you’re tempted to force outcomes; wait and seek counsel.
• Honor those on the margins; God hears their affliction.