God at Work
Scripture Reading — Genesis 12:10-20
Pharaoh ... sent [Abram] on his way, with his wife and everything he had. Genesis 12:20
When King Pharaoh saw Sarai, he liked what he saw. And as the "brother" of Sarai, Abram received preferential treatment from the Egyptians. But then something happened: the curse of God came upon Pharaoh and his household because of Sarai.
By inflicting serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household, the Lord disrupted the cozy arrangement Abram had set up for himself. Abram's deception cast a wide net, and Pharaoh got caught up in it.
When Pharaoh learned what the problem was, he confronted Abram. Pharaoh said he would never have taken Sarai into his palace if he had known she was Abram's wife. "Why did you deceive me?" Pharaoh cried out. So he returned Sarai to Abram, and the episode came to a sorry close.
Did Abram believe he and Sarai were somehow outside God's protection when they entered the land of Egypt? Did Abram fear that God had control only in a certain territory or for a certain time? We aren't told.
This episode shows, however, that God definitely had power over the realm of Egypt. And despite Abram's deception, he was able to keep all he had gained because of God's intervention.
Let's remember from this story that God is always at work being faithful even when we are not.
Dear God, may we never limit you to times or places. May we know that our lies will always be found out. Lead us into all truth. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Julius T. Medenblik
Rev. Jul Medenblik is a former attorney who was called to pastoral ministry and became the founding pastor of a church in New Lenox, Illinois. He is currently serving as president of Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jul and his wife, Jackie, are blessed with a son, Joshua, and a daughter, Julianne.
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