God for the first time is not dealing with all of mankind but with a people. The people God chooses is the descendants of Abram. Abram and Sarai, and he will be the father of the Jewish race and one who will bless all of us through Jesus Christ. We see them building altars and meeting with God. In verse 7 we see God appeared to them. This theophany is understood to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Abram is told this is the land that I will give you pointing out the land of Canaan. Remember the Canaanites where a cured people by God. However, a famine was in the land so Abram and Sarai turns to the world (Egypt seems to always be a picture of the world). Remember Abram had a promise and God will fulfill that promise even in Canaan. As they get closer to the world they come up with a plan to lie and cover up who they are. When we get too close to the world we desire to “fit in” and forsake who we are in Christ. The pharaoh did like Sarai and took her in to be his wife. I know Sarai must have been a young looking 75! Pharaoh is told of Sarai in verse 15 and the word commended is used. This word is the first time the Hebrew word for praise is used. This word elsewhere is used most of the time to praise God. With that thought this could mean not only did her outward beauty shine but her inward godliness shone. Because of God’s promise, Pharaoh was cursed by God in some noticeable way and he confronted Abram. They were expelled from Egypt. What would have happened if they did not try to blend in? Maybe many in Egypt would have turned to God. Maybe you and I blend in too much. What would happen in our town if we stood up for God and trusted His promises?
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