We recently traveled to South Africa for a ministry trip, and it was fascinating to experience a country so different from America. It felt surreal to see exotic animals roaming freely in someone’s backyard. While we drove through residential areas, we spotted giraffes, impalas, and zebras casually walking by. The lodge where we stayed had a fence around it, but just beyond that, elephants, rhinos, lions, and who knows what else roamed freely. I chose not to dwell too much on the thought of cobras, black mambas, and other crazy snakes that might be lurking around us. Let’s just say that I was very aware of my surroundings and each step I took whenever I walked outside.
Another difference was the languages. While almost everyone spoke English, South Africa has many other dialects. One of the most beautiful words I learned there was “Sawubona,” which is from the Zulu language. It is a greeting used in place of “hello,” and it means, “I see you.”
What a beautiful way to greet someone! Often, we say “Hi, how’s it going?” and don’t really expect a reply. However, greeting someone with “I see you” is one of the most personal and caring greetings I’ve ever encountered.
El Roi – the God Who Sees Me
I think of the story in Genesis 16 about Hagar, a slave to Sarah (Sarai), who was forced to be with Abraham to produce an heir. Abraham and Sarah overlooked Hagar’s feelings, hopes, and dreams, but God saw her. As she fled from her suffering, she encountered the Living God, who acknowledged her pain and cared for her; thus, she named God El Roi. Genesis 16:13 beautifully says, “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.'” (Genesis 16:13)
There is a lot to unpack in Hagar’s story, and much of it is disheartening. Yet, the overarching message is that even in unfair and confusing circumstances, we have a God who sees us. The God who created the heavens, the earth, and everything in it sees us.
Loneliness and disconnection are prevalent in our culture today. Many individuals do not feel known or seen, leading to a profound sense of emptiness. However, knowing that God sees us, knows us, and loves us unconditionally is a priceless treasure. We can joyfully proclaim, “I am loved by El Roi because He sees me!”
Our world would be a more beautiful place if we modeled God’s character and offered the heartfelt greeting of “Sawubona” – “I see you!” Let us pause to truly see the person before us, gently caring for their heart and validating their personhood.
Rest in the character of our loving God, El Roi – He sees you!
May you continue to live…
Rooted in Him,
