God Sees

This morning I watched the 12-minute film called "The God who Sees" featuring Nicole C. Mullen, directed by Kathie Lee Gifford. It is a magnificent, powerful and moving mixture of narrative and song about, first of all, Hagar to whom God first revealed Himself as "El Roi" which is translated as "the God who sees". Then it shows how God revealed Himself to Ruth, to David, and, through Jesus, to Mary Magdalene. I would encourage you to watch it, if you never have, or to watch it again, if you have seen it. (Go to www.godwhosees.com and scroll down a bit to "watch"). One of the verses that inspired the whole thing is found in Zechariah 2:5: "'For I,' says the Lord, 'will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.'"

It reminded me of an evening a couple of months ago when I visited my friends, Gary and Evelyn. We ended up the evening listening to some soaking music, and Evelyn played "The Blessing" which has made its way around the world this pandemic year. The phrase "The Lord turn His face toward you" caught my attention and I could see my Lord turning His face to me. And His expression was one of total acceptance, and even delight. I expressed my thoughts, and Gary said, "But His face is already always turned towards us." So exactly true. Even when we feel invisible, or abandoned, or despicable, or useless, or ashamed, or whatever it is that wants to keep us from knowing the love of our compassionate, patient, incomparably loving heavenly Father, His arms are open to us. His "face shines upon us". "The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17). Imagine that! "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10). Let's keep running to Jesus, knowing we will always be accepted and loved. He is the fulfillment of the name "El Roi"; He knows you and loves you; He's the God who sees.......you!