109 - Abram and Egypt

Wording of this Handout:

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109
Abram goes to Egypt.

God told Abram that he would make him into a great nation, and bless him, and make his name great (Genesis 12) and then, very soon after Abram heard this, he went to Egypt because of a famine.

When he got there, he became worried that the high-ranking Egyptians might try to take his wife Sarai, because she was so beautiful, so Abram made up a lie.

Before we look at the lie, let us go over the story again. Abram has just been told by God that his destiny is to become a great nation. Abram has no children. Therefore, in order to become a great nation, Abram will have to have children. This means that God will have to protect and keep him until he has some children.

Overlooking this obvious point, Abram told Sarai to tell the Egyptians he was her brother. He expected, if they thought he was her husband, they would kill him, and take Sarai, but he wasn't such a threat to them as her brother.

Was it really necessary for Abram to lie, in order to keep himself alive? Was God unable to do that? Would the Egyptians really be able to ruin God's promises to Abram. Hardly! God doesn't need our help when he makes promises to us.

I know I'm saved by grace... but I though if I do some really nice things I ll be extra sure of getting to heaven!

Stupid!

The Bible says "Please say that you are my sister, that it may be well with me...."
Genesis 12:13(New King James Version)