This Sunday we begin a new worship series called “God’s Name Is,” exploring some of the many names for God in Scripture. These various names for the one God help us connect with different aspects of God’s character.
The first name given to God in Scripture is in Genesis 1:1: “Elohim,” simply meaning “God” and pronounced, “l-o-HEAM.” As Genesis continues we are introduced to more names for God, including the one we will consider this Sunday, “El-Roi,” meaning “The God Who Sees Me,” and pronounced “l-ROY.” It is Hagar the Egyptian, who gives God this powerful name—you can read her story in Genesis 16.
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks about this same aspect of God’s character, when he says that God cares for the birds of the field, providing for their needs. From these words, we get the beautiful hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.”
This week I encourage you to reflect on what it means that God sees you—is this idea comforting, encouraging, frightening, or perhaps all three? In your own personal times of prayer this week, try addressing God with the Hebrew “El-Roi” or the English, “God Who Sees Me.” How might this name for God help you trust and obey God more today?
I look forward to gathering for worship this Sunday, January 19, and hope you will also join us for our Pancake Breakfast Youth Work Camp fundraiser at 9:30am.
God’s peace be with you,
Pastor Laura
Scripture for Sunday: Genesis 16
Sermon Title: “El-Roi: The God Who Sees Me”