Devotion:
Read Genesis 12:10-20.
I remember reading this passage for the first time and thinking, “What, surely not Abram?!!” Earlier in this very chapter of Genesis, we read of God calling Abram to leave his country and extended family and go to an unidentified place that God will show him. Showing remarkable faith and obedience, Abram packed up and went. Abram’s faith in God’s promise stands as a huge witness to both Jewish persons and Christians. NT writers point to Abram’s faith in teaching us that we are seen as righteous because of our faith, not our works. After reading the story of Abram’s obedience and God’s promise to bless him and all people on earth through him, without even turning the page, we read of Abram’s disgraceful and deceitful act of passing beautiful Sarai off as his sister!
There is no excuse for Abram’s action. By declaring Sarai his sister instead of his wife, he makes her fair game for Pharaoh, who indeed takes her as his wife. Abram acted out of pure selfishness to save himself, fearing the Egyptians might kill him if they knew Sarai was his wife. Abram will repeat this act later, and his son Isaac will follow this example and do the same thing with his wife Rebecca. Reading of Abram’s deception reminds me of the authenticity of the Bible, telling us the whole story. When we tell our whole story, the good parts are more powerful and believable.
Personal Worship Option:
Almighty God, we see in this story that you use imperfect people to do your work of blessing others. Help us not to emulate Abram’s actions, but to see in this story the importance of being genuine and honest instead of pretending to be perfect. Use us, even with our faults, and help us become more like Christ. Amen.
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