She was useful until she was not. She was a victim of abuse and mistreatment. She was an abandoned outsider of God's covenant people. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Kaleb Beyer and Matt Kaufmann linger on Hagar's story. At her most desperate moment, God loves her really well. So struck by the encounter, Hagar names God Elroi, the God who sees me.

Show notes:

In her desperation, God finds Hagar abandoned to the wilderness.

• He calls her by name - "Hagar."

  • Even though her name meant "stranger", his use of it meant she was not a stranger to him. In fact, she was known, not by association, but on her own terms.

• He asks her questions - "Where did you come from and where are you going?"

• • Even though he knew these answers already, he gets her talking. God is a God who listens.

• He gives her a promise - "I will make a mighty nation out of your son."

• • Even though Ishmael's lineage would rival Isaac's, he is a God of blessing.