Genesis. 12:10-20 God, The Accurate Judge

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1 Genesis 12:10-20 God, The Accurate Judge As most of you know, I am not exactly an avid sports fan. After all my idea of a good sports program is the World Wrestling Entertainment. (Just kidding!) As a consequence I don t watch any of the Olympics. Many young people strive for years to get there and compete. And among those that make it, only a handful win the gold. Commentators act as if anything but gold is losing. This is spite of the fact that anyone that even makes it to the Olympics is a winner. They have defeated other athletes all over the world or they wouldn t even be there. But if you don t win the gold, you re a loser. But what of the Special Olympics? Here are many people that all, by the worlds standards, would be considered losers. And by some today would be told they do not have an adequate quality of life and should have been aborted prior to birth. But as all who support this program realize every one of these people are winners. VI. The Patriarchs Chapter 11:11-Chapter 50 B. Abraham Chapters Abram s Calling Chapter 12 c. A Little White Lie Verses i. Into Egypt Verse 10 ii. Into Trouble Verses iii. Pharaoh s Problem Verses Introduction: From God s perspective what makes a winner, a success? As long as we endeavor to live as God as called us to the degree we are capable of, in dependency on Him, then we are successes. Just as some realize that participants in the Special Olympics are all winners, Christians at all levels of maturity are successful in their walk if they are obedient in dependency on the Lord. Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death (John 8:51). Sadly, too often we judge believers based on a fixed standard, not taking into consideration their level of maturity, their understanding of God, their background, etc. Now, I am not talking about excusing sin, but, I would certainly hope that someone who has walked with the Lord 50 years shows maturity, faith and obedience levels greater than a brand new Christian. God certainly takes into consideration the individuals situation. He doesn t seem to expect more than we are capable of doing in dependency on Him. This is supported by how we will see God handle Abram s sin as he comes in contact with the Pharaoh of Egypt.

2 Remember that God s expectations are always realistic. While He is saddened at our sin, it is never a surprise. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 2:1; 1:8 10). Abram, at God s direction, had over a number of years had moved from Ur to Canaan. He believed God s promises, even though he had seen nothing of their fulfillment. He demonstrated his faith and obedience even though it had only been partial. When he moved from Ur to Haran he went with his whole family, contrary to God s directions. Now the LORD said to Abram, Go from your country and your kindred and your father s house to the land that I will show you (Genesis 12:1). So Abram left Haran. His father had died. God had spoke to him once again. Canaan was up ahead. But wait. Again his obedience was partial. Look there, his nephew Lot is among the group that s with Him. i. Into Egypt: Picking up here we see Abram traveled from Haran to Egypt. While He did fall into sin in Egypt this is not an adequate reason to assume he shouldn t have gone there. Second, God did not tell Abram not to go to Egypt. God did lead him into Canaan. And it was from there he went to Egypt. Was there lack of trust in God? Or, as in the time of Joseph, did God allow Egypt to be a place of shelter during famine in Canaan? Well, let s look at the passage before we consider whether we can even speculate on these questions. Moses first notes there was a famine in Canaan. As a consequence, Abram picked up and traveled to Egypt. Keep in mind that his life style had become essentially nomadic, therefore it may have seemed quite natural to move when there was a problem. Moses also notes that he stayed for quite a while because of the severity of the famine. Famine was common in Canaan, since the region s productivity depended on rainfall. Egypt was less susceptible to drought and famine because of its dependence on the annual flooding of the Nile. Modern archaeologists and geologists have found evidence of a massive, 300 year drought cycle that occurred during the end of the third millennium B.C. and the beginning of the second the time period to which Abram/Abraham traditionally is dated. 1 As you might expect there are a couple of views of Abram s move here. One view states Abram should not have left for Egypt. It was his going there that lead him into the opportunity for the specific sin recounted here. It is certainly true that if he had stayed in Canaan and depended on the Lord for his needs that God could have met them. But that doesn t mean God could have met his need by allowing him to go to Egypt. 1 John H. Walton, ed., Archaeological Study Bible, Zondervan Publishing House, ) 148 (

3 I m not going to be presumptions enough to say that going into Egypt was sin. There is nothing in scripture to show this is the case. In fact Moses words seem to show that Abram s move was logical under the circumstances. Gene Getz doesn t see the issue of Abram going to Egypt as centered on Egypt, but on the apparent fact that Abram didn t consult God on what he should do. 2 The only problem here is this is an assumption made from silence. Nevertheless, as always seems to be the case in Egypt, the situation there was at best mixed. It is also true that up to this point God s directed Abram each step of the way to Canaan. It doesn t appear God instructed Abram to go to Egypt. This may explain Abram s felt need to protect himself rather than trust God. Now, if Egypt serves as a picture of the world, then we certainly live as part of the world out of necessity. And as with Abram living in the world brings its share of temptations and failures. I ve met a number of Christian business men over the years who feel they have to use worldly methods to conduct business. I ve been told that to follow biblical principles means that we won t be successful. Too often Christians live with a dichotomy between their faith and their operating parameters. Can you think of any examples of how we can fall into this same trap? What are some ways that we can stand firm in Egypt? Whatever one thinks of Abram s going to Egypt, what follows is clearly sin. ii. Into Trouble: Here Abram is clearly out of God s will. Where once he had stepped out in faith, now he acts out of fear. He tells the truth, that is that Sarai was his sister. But he tells it in such a way as to mislead the Egyptians. He makes his statement so Pharaoh won t realize she is also his wife. Abram is willing to save his life at the expense of Sarai s. He acts as if he is unaware he can trust the Lord for his circumstances. So, Sarai ends up in the Egyptian equivalent of a harem. At 65 she was an extremely beautiful woman, so much so Abram is afraid he ll be killed so Pharaoh can take her. Abram s act was pragmatism, not faith. The Lord helps them who help themselves. Right? Sadly at this point it was only God who protected Sarai, not her husband. Granted that Abram has only been following God for a relatively short period of time. He does not have the indwelling Holy Spirit. He has not seen the fulfillment of any of the promises. And granted he is afraid. In fact it may be the very promises of God that make him more fearful for his life, because he is to be the father of nations, which means he must, at all costs, live. Not only does Abram fall into sin, but he leads his wife with him because he instructs her to support his lie by both word and deed. It s bad enough when we fall, but we frequently overlook the fact that our sin often takes down others with us. Verses 14-15: Interestingly enough, it seems that Abram s concerns were well taken. As the couple arrives in Egypt Pharaoh s talent scouts, actually procurers, are out and about and sure enough they spot Sarai. Their reaction? Boy Pharaoh has to have her in his house. 2 Getz, Gene A., Abraham: Trials & Triumphs, Regal Books, Glendale, CA, 1976, p ) 149 (

4 The custom in that day was for a time of preparation before a woman could be taken into a ruler. (see Esther) So while she is moved into Pharaoh s house, nothing happened, yet Verse 16: Meanwhile, Abram makes out like a bandit. Pharaoh pays him off with livestock, and slaves. Consequently he grows more prosperous. Anyone who believes sin doesn t sometimes appear to pay off better think again. It is almost as if Abram is pimping for Sarai at this point. And while it wasn t his intent Abram appears to be benefiting from his sin. Pharaoh s Problem: First, let us note that Pharaoh s intentions were honorable here. Or at least that s the understanding we are left with from the text. He had paid to Abram a bride price. He made it clear that his intention was to marry Sarai. Parenthetically this means he would have probably had Abram killed so he could if he know she was Abram s wife. This should serve as a warning to us. When we sin not only does it effect us, and possibly other believers, but it can also effect our witness. Here s Abram, God s man, by his sin created a situation leading to Pharaoh being afflicted by God. Can you think of any situation in which the behavior of a believer effects his witness before the unbelieving world? (Westboro Baptist Church, the Christians politician who is caught being unfaithful, the local Christian contractor who cheats customers, etc.) We also see an example of God protecting men from their own folly. God brought diseases to Pharaoh s house in order to protect Sarai from him. She is to be the mother of her people and so God wouldn t let her suffer as a consequence of Abram s sinful decisions. So what we have here is both Sarai and Pharaoh suffering as a consequence of Abram s behavior. One other question to be asked What does Abram suffer as a result of his sin? It appears first God doesn t judge him. Abram materially prospers from this time with the Pharaoh. (see vs. 16.) We don t know if there were consequences because scripture is silent. I wonder did he think about what he had done? Was he embarrassed by Pharaoh s valid accusations? Did he feel sorrow because God protected him in spite of his obvious lack of dependency. Which brings up both a praise and a question. Can you recount anytime that God has blessed or protected you in spite of yourself? Maybe punishment wasn t necessary. There is another possibility. We are so quick to judge peoples actions, but God judges the heart. And God knows just what we are capable of, even if we don t. Consider it may be possible, as an immature saint, Abram wasn t capable of fully trusting God yet. God may have protected Abram from consequences because He knew Abram was functioning as faithfully as he could. Do you find that thought reassuring? If no, why not? Back to the passage. Pharaoh was justly upset with Abram. He asked why he wasn t told the truth. Then he tells Abram to get out. After all, Abram was to blame for the troubles he had been having with God. He was mad. He has Abram escorted to the border. Why do you think Pharaoh didn t take any further action against Abram? He certainly had cause. Conclusion: God takes us where we are. He also sees the big picture. As we look at this passage, it does appears Abram prospered from his sin. He left Egypt with even more wealth then he had arrived with. But there are always consequences to all actions. ) 150 (

5 Abram would pay the price of all his mistakes. There are consequences for disobedience even if it comes through weakness rather than rebellion. He was to lose a son because the sin was the product of a relationship not sanctioned by God. In the next chapter we will see Abram got caught up in a war as a consequence of having Lot along, contrary to God s instructions. And of course the entire world continues to reap the consequences of Abram s choices through the constant warfare and tension in the Middle East. But By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations whose architect and builder is God. By faith Abraham, even though he was past age and Sarah herself was barren was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore (Hebrews 11:8-12). I started out by saying that God is an accurate judge. This means that his expectations for us are always accurate. He knows what we are capable of in dependency on Him. He never expects us to meet standards that are beyond our capacity. Thought we won t if we try to meet them out of our own strength rather than His. God does expect us to grow in maturity. Only He knows though at what pace we can mature. We cannot stand still. If we do we are actually falling back. We are called to run the race. The author of Hebrews puts it this way: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted (Hebrews 12:1 3). We are not running against one another. We are not judged against the works of another believer. We are only accountable to demonstrate the same quality as Abraham, faith. The fruit of that faith will vary based on many factors. Consider my grandfather. He became a believer in his later years. He was already in a convalescent situation at the time. How will God judge his works? Based on his faithfulness with what understanding and capabilities he had during the last few years of his life. What is our responsibility? We are called to grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We are to be in a community of believers so that we can grow and be equipped to every good work. But, we are not called to look at others and ask: Why do they get away with it? or How can they call themselves a Christian? ) 151 (

6 Again, this isn t a call to ignore sin. After all scripture gives a clear standard for dealing with sin in the body. But it is a call to remember only God is the accurate judge. We are not only fallible, but we also as much sinners as those we are tempted to judge. We are given to each other to help in the process of maturing, to hold accountable, but to do all in love and not in a judgmental spirit. Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye, when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother s eye (Matthew 7:1 5). Let us do all we do with God s compassion and love. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34 35). As we treat one another with love, we will help and encourage one another to become that which God desires us to be. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified (Romans 8:28 30). Let us pray this week that we treat one another with love. And if we have failed to do so, let us repent and go and restore the relationship with those we have not loved. Remember the world is looking. If I speak in tongues of human beings and of angels but I don t have love, I m a clanging gong or a clashing cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and I know all the mysteries and everything else, and if I have such complete faith that I can move mountains but I don t have love, I m nothing. If I give away everything that I have and hand over my own body to feel good about what I ve done but I don t have love, I receive no benefit whatsoever. Love is patient, love is kind, it isn t jealous, it doesn t brag, it isn t arrogant, it isn t rude, it doesn t seek its own advantage, it isn t irritable, it doesn t keep a record of complaints, it isn t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. Love never fails. As for prophecies, they will be brought to an end. As for tongues, they will stop. As for knowledge, it will be brought to an end. We know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, what is partial will be ) 152 (

7 brought to an end. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, reason like a child, think like a child. But now that I have become a man, I ve put an end to childish things. Now we see a reflection in a mirror; then we will see face-to-face. Now I know partially, but then I will know completely in the same way that I have been completely known. Now faith, hope, and love remain these three things and the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:1 13 CEB). ) 153 (

8 Genesis 12:10-20 God, The Accurate Judge VI. The Patriarchs Chapter 11:11-Chapter 50 B. Abraham Chapters Abram s Calling Chapter 12 c. A Little White Lie Verses i. Into Egypt Verse 10 ii. Into Trouble Verses iii. Pharaoh s Problem Verses Introduction: (John 8:51; 1 John 2:1; 1:8 10; Genesis 12:1) i. Into Egypt:

9 ii. Into Trouble: Verses 14-15: Verse 16: Pharaoh s Problem: ) 2 (

10 Conclusion: (Hebrews 11:8-12, 12:1 3; Matthew 7:1 5; John 13:34 35; Romans 8:28 30; 1 Corinthians 13:1 13 CEB) Personal Application: Consider: if I have failed to love someone, show me so that I might repent and go and restore that relationship. Prayer for the Week: Lord, help me to love others as You have loved me. In Jesus name, amen. ) 3 (