Day 2 of Week 1 The Patriarchs

Day Two
Down to Egypt
 
Today's Treasure:
Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe
Genesis 12: 10
 

Wow! Today's lesson spoke to me in such a profound way! Today we focus on the consequences that fell on Sarai because of Abram's decision making. Beth wants us to realize that Sarai did not receive direct communication from God! She was on this trip simply out of remaining by the side of her husband and taking him at his word. We must remember that she has lived her life up to this point following many gods to serve the different needs in her life. Now, she is on a journey chasing a God that she knows nothing about. So far, the journey is proving to be a difficult one. I am sure she is wondering what kind of god would send them off into the wilderness without providing a cushy life in reward for their faithfulness.

So, we find Abram and Sarai standing outside of Egypt with Abram making this grand plan of deception in order to save his skin! When I told you I am bad at thinking of Abram in terms of his flaws...this is one of the flaws I was referring to! Why would any man think it wise to tell everyone that his wife is his sister. I know there was a little truth to this according to Genesis 20:12..."Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife." 

I believe once Abram took Sarai as his wife, that relationship superseded the brother/sister relationship. Often times when reading these passages in the Bible, I have to remind myself that we are a much different culture than the ancient cultures of the Bible. Today, if a man told his wife to pretend she was his sister, he was rewarded with tons of wealth because of her beauty and she was sent to live in the palace as one of the Pharaoh's wives, I highly doubt there would be a good relationship to come back to once all was said and done. Yet, God found a way to work through all that happened and get Abram and Sarai back on track and still in tact!

Write a one sentence summary capturing Genesis 12: 10 - 20

Sarai, I didn't want to trust God to take care of us...so you follow my plan and we will see what happens!

Glance at Genesis 12:9. According to this verse, Abram was headed towards the Negev

Now, in Abram's defense, I am sure he was very concerned about their survival through the famine. Yet, he should have prayed to the Lord for provision. God has appeared to Abram face to face and shown him His glory. Abram must have been on a spiritual high after experiencing God face to face. Often times, after a spiritual high, God moves you to a "desert."

Take a look at Matthew 4:1. Where was Jesus led and why?
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil"

What had Jesus just experienced at the conclusion of Matthew 3?

His own baptism

Have you ever felt that you followed God in obedience to a promise only to find yourself in a desert soon after your arrival?

Oh, yes!

On a scale of 1 - 10, what do you think Sarai's initial response to these words might have been?

fright or flattery.

Have you discovered that decisions made in panic or self-protection mode can have undesirable consequences?

Yes

this can be quite personal...so, I will let you answer this on your own

What did the Lord do in behalf of "Abram's wife, Sarai"

God inflicted serious disease on Pharaoh and his household

How might Psalm 55: 16 - 19 speak to Sarai's scenario?

She cried out, I am sure in her confusion of being forced into becoming a wife of the Pharaoh. God ransomed her from this situation, even though the odds were stacked against her

What might Abram have done differently?

Abram should have turned directly to God for provision rather than traveling to Egypt in search of his own provision

The most profound statement, for me, in today's study was...
"The weaknesses of God's children do not strain the strength of God"

I must say that this truly encourages me as I struggle from day to day with fear and doubt concerning my cancer. I must remember that God is in control and He will overcome my weakness of fear! He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I know that He is bigger than all the mistakes I make! I thank God for the example of Abram to remind me of this!

Love to you all

Tiffany