EL ROI Part 3

“For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  I Samuel 16:7

Throughout scripture we see examples of God transforming people’s lives.  God not only sees areas in our heart that need change, He also sees qualities and attributes that we may not be aware we possess.

Judges 6-7 is a narration regarding Gideon. To avoid being seen by the Midianites, Gideon was processing his wheat in hiding.  In man’s eyes Gideon may have looked like a coward, but God saw him differently.  God sent an angel who appeared to Gideon and called him a valiant, brave, courageous man. (Judges 6:12)  Gideon did not see himself as brave, but saw himself only as inadequate. (Judges 6:15)  However, Gideon chose to believe what God had said about him, and with God’s help he was able to defeat the Midianite army and become the man God created him to be.

The life of Moses is depicted in the book of Exodus.  Moses was eighty years old, filled with fear, unable to speak clearly and a murderer.  These are characteristics that would not seem to qualify him as a leader of a nation, yet God selected him to bring three million people out from captivity into God’s “ Promised Land.”   Moses saw himself as a failure, but El Roi looked into his heart and saw a leader.

Paul is first mentioned in the book of Acts.  He was an educated Jew who was determined to rid the world of Christianity and was responsible for the persecution and death of many Christians.  How could this man end up writing thirteen books in the New Testament and preaching the Gospel throughout the world?  I believe God examined Paul’s heart and saw faithfulness, humility, and compassion.  God knew that Paul would obey Him even unto death.  In Acts 9:15  Jesus said, “ Paul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.”

Gideon, Moses, and Paul each were unaware of the true condition of their hearts.  As they submitted to God, their lives were changed forever.

1 Peter 5:10 says, “ the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].

Father, we thank You for being able to see into the depths of our hearts.  We submit our hearts to You to be changed into who You have created us to be.  

EL ROI Part 2

During a recent message at Faith Center Rockford, Apostle Don Lyon referred to Luke 1:28.  In this scripture an angel appeared to Mary and told her she was highly favored and blessed among women.  I was again reminded of God (El Roi) having the ability to see into our hearts. God did not select Mary because of her outward appearance or her cultural status. I believe He looked into her heart and saw purity, humility, and a willingness to obey.  Even though her life was about to drastically change, her heart was filled with praise for God. In Luke 1:46-49 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!  48 For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and He has done great things for me.”

What a beautiful response to what in the natural must have appeared impossible. She chose to believe Luke 1:37,  “For with God nothing will be impossible.” She was blessed because of her lack of unbelief.

We too, are given choices.  Deuteronomy 30:19 states, “ I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live”.

Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick!  Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]?”  

Because we do not know our own heart, El Roi reveals to us areas that need to be surrendered to Him.  We have a choice of obeying God and submitting to Him or continuing to live a life of self rule.

What a loving Father God is!   

Isaiah 48:17 This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.”

Father, we thank You for loving us so much that You examine our hearts so we may draw closer to You.  We declare Your Word over us this day. Ezekiel 36:26:  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  

EL ROI The God Who Sees

Genesis 16 is the only place in scripture where God is referred to as El Roi.  This is the account of Sarah’s maid, Hagar.  God appeared to Hagar in the midst of a difficult situation and spoke a blessing over her.  Because Hagar recognized this was God speaking and He had understood her circumstances, she named Him, El Roi (the God Who sees).

Genesis 16:13  She gave this name (El Roi) 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.”

God is still the God Who sees.

Proverbs 5:21      For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.

Because God is omnipresent (everywhere at all times), and has the ability to see all things, He is able to guide and direct us through every situation we encounter.

  

Psalm 121:5-8  The Lord watches over you—  the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  7 The Lord will keep you from all harm.   He will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

What a beautiful promise and sense of security we have knowing the Creator of the universe is watching over us.

God is able to examine every area of our heart.

Jeremiah 17:10  “I, the Lord, search and examine the mind, I test the heart,

To give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.

Psalm 44:21  If we had forgotten the name of our God 21 Or stretched out our hands to a strange god, Would not God discover this?  For He knows the secrets of the heart.

The thought of God being able to see into the depths of our hearts can be daunting.  Not even the most “secret” thought or desire is hidden from Him.  However, if God was unable to see into our hearts, He would not be able to expose the wickedness that lies hidden there.  Once our sin is revealed, we have the choice to repent (change our thinking) and be transformed.  Because our sin keeps us in darkness and separates us from God, let the following be the prayer of our heart:

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right and steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 139: 23-24 Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart;

Test me and know my anxious thoughts; 24 and see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

JEHOVAH RAAH Part 3

The image of God as our Shepherd depicts God’s continual direction, guidance, and care for us.  Psalm 23 is a wonderful illustration of the Shepherd’s heart of God.  

Psalm 23:1  “The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want.”   When we choose to submit to God all our needs are met by Jehovah Raah, the Shepherd. This verse  is also the psalmist’s declaration not to desire more than what God gives us.

Psalm 23:2  “ He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.”   Still waters and green pastures were the ideal environment for the sheep.  They depict a picture of care and rest.  The shepherd had to create an atmosphere for the sheep which would allow them to be still and lie down.  This was accomplished only by ensuring the sheep were fed, protected, and cared for.  Like the sheep we do not always know what is best for us and need the influence of the Shepherd. As we trust the God completely we can rest in Who He is.

Psalm 23:3 “ He refreshes and restores my life (my soul);” God restores our soul by bringing it to a state of repentance.  Romans 2:4 tells us it’s God’s kindness that brings us to repentance.  Repentance (change in thinking), brings us to a place of intimacy with God.  

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.”   

God leads us to righteousness (right standing with Him). He removes obstructions that hinder our relationship with Him.  When God’s children prosper it brings glory to His name.

Psalm 23:4  “ though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil; For You are with me. Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.”

God’s Presence is with us in every situation.  We are continuously faced with choices that may bring  harm to us, but more importantly, wrong choices can bring spiritual death or separation from God.  Jehovah Raah is constantly guiding us in the right direction and protecting us.

Psalm 23:5  “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”

Even though we may be surrounded by adversity God has the power to spiritually feed and protect us through any circumstance we may be confronted with.

“You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil;My cup overflows.”

In biblical times applying oil to a guest’s head was done to show love and respect.  Filling their cup to overflowing represented the abundance of everything they had for the guest.  This verse is a reflection of God’s love for us and His desire to bless us abundantly.

Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life,

And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.”

The writer of the psalm is filled with the revelation of God’s love.  He is assured that God is truly his Shepherd and his desire is to be with God always.

Father, I pray that our eyes are opened to Who you are. I pray our heart’s desire is to become intimately acquainted with You.