Daily Devotions
Genesis
"For He remembered His holy promise, and Abraham His servant." Psalm 105:42
Text: Genesis 12:1-20
THE PLAGUES SENT BY GOD
We are not told what these plagues were, only they were “great plagues” (Genesis 12:17). How should we understand this idea?
- Plagues may take the form of national disasters.
- They may also appear in the form of diseases on animals or human beings.
- They would have to take on a form that was significant enough to be noticed.
- The advisors of the Pharaoh (perhaps priests) would have divined somehow that these plagues came about when Sarai was brought into the harem of the Pharaoh!
A STERN REBUKE FROM THE PHARAOH
The Pharaoh summoned Abram to appear before him. He protested that Abram had behaved poorly and had thus endangered many in Egypt.
“And Pharaoh called Abram and said,
‘What is this you have done to me?
Why did you not tell me she was your wife?
Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?
I might have taken her as my wife. Now therefore,
here is your wife; take her and go your way.’
So Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him;
and they sent him away, with his wife and all he had.”GENESIS 12:18-20
1. A public censure
The Pharaoh publicly censured Abram for his behaviour. Abram could not defend himself, for he knew that he was guilty!
2. Unceremoniously evicted from Egypt
The Pharaoh of course did not want Abram and his family in Egypt. They were told “to go their way”. Of course that meant they were declared persona non grata! They were not welcome in Egypt any more!
3. A Hard and Humbling Lesson
The silence of Abram stood in good stead. He had learned his lesson. He knew what he had to do. He must return to the Promised Land, famine or no famine! He must have recognized the grace of God protecting him. He could have been executed by the Pharaoh for jeopardizing the country!
There would be times when we will falter in our faith and we bear a poor testimony for the Lord! Let us determine to make amends for the sins committed!