Welcome to our Bible Study today. We are going to be looking at the story of God’s call to Abraham in Genesis 12:10-20. This is one of the most important stories in the Bible as it starts off the biblical narrative of God’s relationship with Abraham and his descendants – the nation of Israel.
In this passage, we will explore how Abram steers away from faith and the implications for us today. So let’s dive in and see what we can learn.
Abram – A Story of Faith and Fear
Every action we take has consequences. The old saying goes;
“Oh, what a dreadful web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.”
In this Old Testament reading the saying rings true. When Abram goes to Egypt, he deceives the Pharaoh about the status of his wife Sarai; Egypt paid the consequences as we will learn from Genesis.
Read the story of faith and fear.
Lies and Deception: The Story of Abram’s Journey to Egypt and the Betrayal of Sarai to Pharaoh
It came about when he came near to Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman; and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live.
Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you.” – Genesis 12:11-13 NASB
Abram ( Abraham ) and the Consequence of Sarai
Tests of Faith
One of the main reasons Abram visited Egypt was food! Abram had to go to Egypt for food and water because of the famine in his homeland. According to the Bible, Abram had to escape to Egypt due to the severe famine in his homeland.
The famine was yet another obstacle in Abram’s path to following God, and it tested his faith.
When Times Get Tough, We Keep Faith
As we follow God, we sometimes face these same difficulties. Rather than feeling defeated, let’s consider these hardships as tests of our discipleship.
It is true that we cannot earn our way to heaven, but we need faith in hard times. As the famous American pastor Max Lucado once said: “Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.”
The Grip of Fear and Uncertainty
Sarai was strikingly beautiful, and Abram knew the Pharaoh would want her in his harem. Because he was afraid the Pharaoh would take his wife away from him if he knew she was his wife, Abram told Sarai to tell him she was his sister. Abram was filled with anxiety and worry over the situation, and he knew he had to act quickly to protect his beloved Sarai.
Clearly, this was an act of fear, but if we were in this situation, what would we do?
Circumstances, Motivations and Actions
This Old Testament reading teaches us not about deception, but about the loss of faith. How quickly faith can fade if the right circumstances are present.
In spite of Abram’s faith when taking his first trip to Egypt, it was soon tempered by fear when he faced the odds.
It is as if you planted a seed in a garden and nurtured it until it sprouted, only to have a powerful wind blow it away.
It doesn’t matter how strong one’s faith or conviction is, it can easily be uprooted if unfavorable circumstances arise.
Rather than acting out of faith, Abram lied, and coaxed Sarai to do the same.
There is no condemnation of Abram in this, but it illustrates some of his human characteristics.
Frightening Moments
Oftentimes, we react to danger out of fear instead of faith. It’s a normal human response.
When you feel like the world is falling on you and your last hope is slipping away, talk to God – have a little mustard seed faith, and He’ll work it out, His way.
God has no fear and will lead you. He furnishes power through the Holy Spirit if you only trust Him.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to know more about how to accept the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 and get the information.