Husband and Wife

And it came to pass, when he was close to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “Indeed I know that you are a woman of beautiful countenance. Therefore, it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, “This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you.” So, it was, when Abram came into Egypt, that the Egyptians saw the woman, that she was very beautiful. The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken to Pharaoh's house. (Genesis 12:11-15)

 

That which was promised to Abram was to come through Sarai. Yet, we see him operating like a man who had no relationship with (and no promises from) God. The Lord would produce a great nation through Abram and Sarai, and He would not change His mind and bring that nation about through any other vessels — but they would first be tested. How many men have forfeited, damaged, or delayed the promises of God because they did not esteem the importance of oneness with their wives and the promises of God? What a travesty, and even today, some men of God fall miserably short of this all-important truth!

 

The Lord would rectify the situation and remove Sarai from Pharaoh's grip — but unfortunately, Abram would fail this test again (Genesis 20:2). He and Sarai would eventually learn to rely on the Lord to protect them and show Himself strong on their behalf, but it was a slow and painful process. Sometimes, the Lord has to keep His promises in spite of our weaknesses — but He is patient, and He is bringing us into a life of ever-growing faith. Abram and Sarai would mature in their walk and receive God's promises, but now, the Lord was teaching them all it meant to be husband and wife, and joint heirs of His promises. May every married couple take heed to this valuable lesson and learn to walk hand-in-hand by faith.

 

Let's Pray – Dear Lord, may every married man endeavor to appreciate the gift he has in his wife. May he see her as the greatest gift the Lord will ever give him, and may his actions reflect that truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.