The Person called Jesus at His incarnation not only made the universe—He was very busy in the time in between.
The “Angel of the Lord” who appeared to Hagar was obviously an appearance by God Himself. Obviously? How so? When we are introduced to such a heavenly Visitor, there are certain clues so we know if it is simply an angel or the Lord Himself. Does He accept worship? Does He claim the titles of deity? Does He promise, as in this story, to do things only God can do? The Angel says, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly” (Gen 16:10). Obviously only God could do that! But here’s the interesting thing. While He claims to do what only God can do, He also distinguishes Himself from God. He says, “You shall call his name Ishmael, because the LORD has heard your affliction” (v 11). It seems this Personage both claims to be God but also shows that He is not all of God that there is. He is both God, and representing God. This is God the Son, representing God the Father. Listen to the words of John 1:18 – “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” God the Father and God the Spirit are invisible, but we can meet God in the person of the Son. In these Old Testament events, the Son appears in bodily form. Eventually He will take up residence in a real human body when He is born at Bethlehem. Hagar is amazed that God would care so much about her that He would personally appear to her. So she gives Him a special name, a term of endearment—Lahai Roi, or “The Living One Who Sees.” Yes, He does. He sees you, knows your needs, and will come to your aid. Listen to Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”