Youth Sunday focused on the truth that God intimately knows, hears, and watches over everyone. Being truly seen by a loving God transforms how we view ourselves and how we interact with the world around us. Genesis 16:7-13 describes Hagar’s flight into the desert. She was a pregnant runaway, and God meets her there in her distress. In response, Hagar names the Lord El Roi—“The God who sees me”—and the name given to her unborn son, Ishmael, means “God hears.” God saw Hagar sitting in painful isolation, just as He sees someone lost in a massive crowd today. We are not anonymous to Him. We are seen by God!
This truth reminded me of a devotion I read recently featuring Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Reading those words, I felt like I was hearing anew that God sees us, hears us, and holds our future.
Because we are so deeply seen, known, and cared for by God, we are empowered to look outward. We can see other people through God’s eyes and extend that same dignity to the world, moving beyond our own wilderness experiences to see, hear, and validate others who are overlooked. Thank you to our youth who led and participated in the service last week. We want you to know that you are seen, known, and deeply cared for by us in this church.
Reflections from Deborah Kelly. Share your reflections with deborah@rbcommunity.org and let me know your thoughts.