El Roi Archives – Sonshine's Journal

September 6, 2022August 19, 2022

“El Roi – the Almighty Sees!”

Ezekiel 8 to 11 Have you ever wondered if God sees all that is happening in this world? The prophet Ezekiel was far from Jerusalem but still held “Bible Studies” in his new home along the banks of the Chebar Canal in Babylon. One day he experienced another vivid vision of a glorious figure lifting him up and taking him to Jerusalem’s Temple. He saw his religious leaders worshiping idols. God had explicitly said; you shall not make for yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything I have created. [Ex 20:4] But, when men want to do Christianity ‘their’ way, God will give them over to a depraved mind to do that which is not proper. Just as Paul wrote, these religious leaders knew “about” God but did “know” God. Professing to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the immortal glory of God for an image resembling His creation. [Rom 1:25]

These religious leaders were driving God far from His sanctuary and, worse, were leading others to follow them. They thought and even said: “The Lord does not see me.” [Ezek 8:12] What a difference from Hagar’s words. She called God “El-Roi,” the God who sees me! [Gen 16:13]

Yet, as Ezekiel listened in and saw all of this depravity, he also saw God’s grace. As in Revelation, the righteous were sealed with a mark on their forehead, lest the executioner mistakes them. Yes, God does see! Yes, God knows who are His.

God sees all those who are His and those who are not. What does He see when He looks at you?

January 30, 2021January 30, 2021

“God IS”

Exodus 1 to 3 Joseph and his family have passed on to eternity, but their descendants continue to multiply, thus blessing God’s word to Abraham: “Go out…I will make you into a great nation…I will bless those who bless you but curse those who curse you.” [Gen 12: 1-3 paraphrased] Notice the adjectives Moses included; the “Israelites were fruitful, increased greatly, multiplied and became extremely strong so that the land was filled with them.” [Ex 1:7] Jeremiah’s words were true then and are true now: even in the midst of affliction, we can be confident of this truth:

“For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.” [Jer 29:11]

And so Moses writes that God heard the groaning of his children as Pharaoh increased their afflictions in hardship and slave labor. God remembered his covenant, God saw, and God understood.

“El Roi” saw and “I AM” will guide Moses as he faces Pharaoh to request he release God’s children from the bondage of Egypt. And just as Hagar and Moses trusted in “El Roi,” so we must as well, no matter what life circumstances we are in. That is why Prov 3:5-6’s truth is key: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not rely on your own understanding; acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.”

January 7, 2020

Cinderella Part 2

Gen 21 cinderella pt 2a The Rest of Cinderella’s Story: Gen 21

Families then and now have conflicts. “Cinderella” Hagar ran away from Sarah and on her way met “El Roi” the God who sees. He found her in the wilderness and revealed His plan to her. Returning to Sarah as “El Roi” said, all went well—that is for 13 yrs. Then God opened Sarah’s womb and she brought forth her own son named Isaac. At a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned, Hagar’s child, Ishmael, began to mock and Sarah convinced Abraham to cast Ishmael and Hagar from the home. Early one morning Abraham did just that.

Why did wealthy Abraham only give Hagar a skin of water and some food? Why did he not give them a donkey to carry supplies? Why no servant to be with them? We have lots of questions but the scripture is silent. Maybe you wrestle with God when you face situations like this. Try turning back to Deut 29:29 “the secret things belong to God and those that are revealed belong to us to understand.” (author paraphrase). Just at that moment in time Hagar again met “El Roi.” When we find ourselves in circumstances that are perplexing, God will meet us where we are just as he did Hagar. He may close one door but open another.

You may be like Hagar wondering what God is doing. Wherever you are, remember He is a promise keeper! We may not understand all that He is doing but He will be with us to show us the next step to take. Hagar found water and a wife for Ishmael and His promises came true.