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.