The God Who Sees: Professor Dion Foster on Hagar, Impatience, and Finding Hope in the Desert

In this episode on Radio Cape Pulpit, host Anton Brink welcomes Professor Dion Foster from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the University of Stellenbosch for a thought-provoking discussion on Genesis 16, the story of Hagar. Professor Foster shares how a devotional reading from Lectio 365 sparked fresh insight into this ancient narrative, which he describes as surprisingly contemporary. He reflects on the themes of impatience and disappointment, noting how Abram and Sarai tried to take control of God's promise when waiting became difficult—something he admits he also struggles with. The conversation then turns to Hagar, an Egyptian slave woman who was mistreated and fled into the desert. Professor Foster highlights the beautiful detail that it was the angel of the Lord who found Hagar, not the other way around, showing that God is constantly searching for us in our darkest moments. God calls her by name and asks, "Where are you coming from and where are you going?"—a question that invites honest reflection. He explains that the name Ishmael means "God hears me," and that Hagar responds by calling God "the God who sees." Professor Foster offers encouragement to anyone feeling misrecognised, underrecognised, or unseen—whether at home, at work, or in society—reminding them that God sees, hears, and has a promise for their future. The episode closes with a warm exchange about the changing seasons in the Netherlands and a preview of next week's conversation.