As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12.
Reflection
Have you ever tried to get a really tough stain out of your carpet, and no matter how hard you scrub, there’s still a faint mark left behind??
Going through this thought can make you feel like God’s forgiveness is kind of like holding onto that old stain from your mistakes. You may think He has forgiven you, but that He still notices that mess you made in the past.
Just so you know, God’s grace does more than tidy things up. It totally gets rid of your sins.
So, how far is the East from the West?
When you head all the way up North at the equator until you hit the North Pole, you’ll have no choice but to start heading South again until you reach the South pole. But if you travel East at the equator, you’ll never actually reach the West. The East and the West just don’t meet. God wipes your sins clean, stretching them out as far as the East is from the West.
God, with all His love and wisdom, doesn’t just stash your sins away for later. He wipes them out completely, giving you the amazing chance to start fresh today.
You can move ahead, feeling light and free, letting go of the burdens from the past, and getting ready to embrace a life filled with hope and fresh beginnings.
Your missteps shouldn’t dictate your self-worth. Each morning is a new opportunity to reinvent yourself and find what you’re really here for.
Every day is like a beautiful gift, giving you the chance to start fresh and dive into new experiences and opportunities that can really change your lives for the better.
There’s something special about knowing that every sunrise gives you a fresh start. It’s like a chance to try new things and tackle whatever life throws at you with more energy and hope.
When you accept this gift, you find out how refreshing it feels to dive into the unknown, excited to learn and grow from whatever happens next.
In this never-ending cycle of change, you discover not just a chance to grow personally but also the happiness of enjoying life right now.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the distance You have placed between me and the mistakes I’ve made in my past.
Thanks for all the help you’ve given me to move on, and I’d love your gentle guidance to keep me from going back to the things you’ve already taken away.
Please give me the strength to focus on right now and what’s coming up next, instead of letting old memories drag me down since I can’t switch them up.
I trust that you’ll guide me and help me avoid going back to those old, harmful patterns that only make things harder for me.
Help me look forward to the future with a clear head and a positive attitude. I believe that Your support will help me stay focused and find my way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil. Hebrews 6:19.
Reflection
When the water is super calm and the ships are tied up well at the dock, they don’t really need to rely on anchors.
It’s really only when strong waves start pulling or when the wind kicks up that anchors become super important.
Jesus Christ is the strong anchor for your soul, always there for you when things get tough. When life’s storms hit hard, He is the one who keeps your boat from sinking and helps you stay safe. Having Him around brings you peace and steadiness, so you can face anything that comes your way with confidence. In the end, it is His amazing support that keeps you steady, no matter how chaotic things get.
The Bible has some good stuff about finding peace when life gets heavy, like in Matthew 11:28. It says, “Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.” This is a nice reminder that you are not alone when things get tough. Jesus gives you a warm hug, telling you that peace is waiting for you when life gets heavy. Leaning into Him will really help you feel refreshed again.
Your faith in Christ is like a strong anchor for your soul when life gets wild, hitting you with surprise bills, health issues, or tough relationship stuff, trying to pull you away from that calm feeling you had on Day 1.
But it’s important to understand that an anchor’s real effectiveness isn’t just about how strong the boat is. It only holds firm when it’s connected to something really solid and dependable.
This solid foundation is really grounded in God’s promises that never change, which brings you a lot of comfort and a feeling of security. Trust in Christ, the solid foundation for your life.
Even when life feels like a rough sea tossing your boat around, God is there as an anchor that keeps holding your boat firm and steady.
In a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, it’s this divine assurance that keeps you grounded and stable. God’s unwavering support acts as a reminder of the strength you can find if you have faith during life’s unpredictable storms.
Meditation
Take a moment to breathe deeply, close your eyes, and let your mind drift off into a lovely place all alone with Jesus sitting by your side. This is where you feel all warm and cozy.
Take a breather in this chill spot and soak in all the peace and quiet around you. Let all your stress fade away. As you do this, pay attention to the wise words that remind you to be still and know that He is God, like it says in Psalm 46:10. Let this call for calm lead you into some deep spiritual thinking and relaxation. Just let the quiet surround you and recognize His presence in your life.
Take a moment to really feel this: “No matter how wild the storm gets and how loud the winds are, I discover my calm right in the eye of this craziness.”
Think of life’s ups and downs as just a background noise, showing off the steady peace that’s deep inside you. It’s a good time to appreciate that God is your anchor to stabilise you.
The bible says that Christ’s grace is sufficient for you. His strength really shines through when you are feeling weak. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11. He is your anchor.
With Christ giving you strength, you can handle anything that comes your way. Philippians 4:13.
Trust in Yahweh with all thine heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Reflection
Picture a stunning bridge that gracefully spans across a huge, deep canyon, representing the path you have to walk in life.
To really get across this amazing structure, you’ve got to let go of that solid ground you are used to on the “cliffs.” Those cliffs are like the little boxes you put yourself in, thinking you know everything that’s possible.
Instead, you should lean fully on the strong bridge of God’s unwavering faithfulness. His view is way bigger and deeper than what you can see.
Sometimes, you hit a wall with challenges that feel way too tough to handle, and it can make you feel all alone and stressed out. During these times, you face an important decision that really makes you think.
You can really tire yourself out trying to sort everything out all alone, leaving you feeling pretty frustrated and bummed. Or you could just trust Him completely. Remember, His bridge has carried so many people like you, helping them through tough times.
Story
Jacob’s ladder
In Genesis 28:12, Jacob had this amazing dream where he saw a huge stairway that reached from the ground all the way up to heaven, with God at the top, and the angels walking going up and down on it. This impressive image of the ladder is a picture of Jesus Christ, who connects you to God. He’s the bridge between you and God, which is made clear in 1 Timothy 2:5. So, through Jesus, you can really connect with God.
Thought-Provoking Question
So, are you feeling super anxious about something in your life right now?
Like, are you just caught up in worry and having trouble stepping back to see things clearly?
Are you finding it hard to just let things happen and trust in God’s bigger plan for your life?
Are you having trouble believing that God has a special design for your journey instead of just going with the flow?
Is it tough for you to sit back and trust that God knows what’s best for your journey rather than controlling everything?
Do you feel like you’re trying to take charge instead of believing in God’s plan for your life?
Are you struggling to just relax and have faith in God’s plan for how things will unfold on your journey?
Is there something that’s been really bothering you lately, making it hard for you to relax and find some peace of mind?
Is there a specific thing that’s been weighing heavily on your mind, keeping you from feeling at ease and calm?
Do you have any concerns that have been taking up a lot of your thoughts and making it tough for you to chill out?
Is there an issue that’s been on your mind a lot, making it hard for you to feel peaceful and relaxed?
Has something been stuck in your head lately, making it tricky for you to find some quiet time and enjoy life?
It is a good idea to just drop that all these worries and lean on God. Do not handle them on your own. God is all-powerful, always around, and knows everything. He can fix any issue you have, bring peace when things get rough, and can even move mountains if needed.
This will help alleviate stress and bring about a sense of relief. Take a moment to really reflect on this and imagine how it will transform your experience.
You can claim the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Yahweh with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways , acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.1 Peter 1:23
Reflection
When you throw a seed in the garden, it can be pretty frustrating when nothing appears to happen the next day. You could feel the urge to take a peek just to find out if it’s actually growing, wondering if your hard work is paying off.
But if you just take a second to breathe and look around, you’ll see that there’s a whole amazing process of life happening right under your nose.
Think of reading the Bible like putting “eternal seeds” into your heart’s little garden. You may not walk away feeling super “transformed” as soon as you put the book down, but trust me, the Word is definitely alive and doing its thing.
It is doing amazing things in your subconscious mind, changing how you react, opening up your heart, and building a strong sense of truth inside you. Trust the process of growth. It is occurring even in the unseen moments that may test your patience.
In Hebrews 4:12, the author highlights how sharp the word of God is, saying it’s like a two-edged sword that really gets to the heart of things. This sword cuts both ways. It really helps when you’re facing spiritual challenges and also connects with our deeper feelings. Ephesians 6:17 tells us that in the armor of God, the word of God is the sword of the spirit.
The Word of God is truly something special. It can get deep down into your core, touching your soul and spirit, and even reaching into your bones and marrows with its powerful truth.
This is an imagery of how God’s words have real power and understanding. They can dig deep and find out what you’re honestly thinking. This imagery makes you realize just how much scripture can change you and the valuable insights it provides.
Meditation
Picture this lovely garden growing inside you, where every verse you read is like a little seed being tucked into the warm earth of your spirit.
Picture this. Every verses you read is like planting little seeds. Over time, these seeds can grow into big, beautiful trees that represent things like peace, joy, happiness, or the calmness that comes with patience.
As the seasons change, it’s a good time to pause and appreciate all the amazing growth and changes you’ve seen. These tiny seeds will eventually grow into something great, as they feed your soul and help you build a life full of happiness and good vibes.
Invest in the cultivation of the garden that lies deep within your heart, granting it the freedom to blossom radiantly. Remember how much joy and wisdom these messages from God can bring to your life. They really can make a difference.
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
Reflection
Have you ever walked down a dark road with just a tiny flashlight? It just lights up a small area around you, doesn’t it? It doesn’t really show you the whole forest out there.
It just shows you the next couple of steps in front of you. This feels a lot like how God uses the Bible in your life. You often want that big spotlight that shows you your whole future, but what God gives you is more like a little lamp, helping you take one step at a time.
When you’re diving into the Bible, don’t get too down if some parts feel confusing or hard to grasp. Try to focus on the “light” around you, like the love you feel, the hope for peace, and those small hints of His ongoing kindness.
When you decide to go with the light you have and take that next step, you’ll start to see that the road ahead gets clearer as you keep following His lead.
Jesus is the light for the whole world. When you follow Him, you will walk in His light. This is what John 8:12 tells you.
Thought-Provoking Question
Is there a particular “next step” in your life right now that strongly calls for the guiding light of God’s presence?
Maybe you’re looking for a specific Bible verse that can give you some comfort and clarity while dealing with whatever challenge you’re facing right now.
Look for scripture verses that really resonate with you; reflecting on them can help you find some peace when things are getting tough.
Just take a little time to read through John 1:5 and 2 Corinthians 4:6. They reveal some really important perspectives on Jesus as the light of eternal life.
Each of these verses provides valuable wisdom that can enhance your understanding and perspective. I encourage you to reflect on their meanings and how they apply to your life journey.
One Beggar Telling Another Beggar Where to Find Bread
This phrase beautifully encapsulates the essential message of Christianity: “Christianity is one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” This statement highlights the core message of Christianity: that all people, no matter their spiritual level, rely on God for support and guidance.
Recognizing Our Need
Before we can help others find life in Christ, we must first examine our own spiritual emptiness and flaws. The Bible reminds us that without Christ, we are all spiritually needy and bankrupt. This recognition of our own deficiencies is essential to truly understand the grace and mercy that comes from Christ. We must confront our spiritual emptiness to genuinely help others find the fulfillment and hope that only He can offer.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Like beggars, we come before God empty-handed, fully aware of our inability to save ourselves from our shortcomings. No amount of good deeds or rituals can earn us the salvation we need. We depend entirely on God’s mercy and grace, the only true sources of hope and redemption. We need divine intervention to embrace the transformative power of His love.
Finding the Bread of Life
In John 6:35, Jesus declares:
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Jesus is the true bread that fills our deepest needs, providing spiritual nourishment for those who seek fulfillment. He offers forgiveness, the promise of eternal life, and the chance to build a deep relationship with God—not based on our worth, but on His endless love and mercy. When we approach Christ in faith and trust, we are nourished with the spiritual food our souls desperately need to thrive and grow. In a world full of distractions, seeking Him brings deep satisfaction that nothing else can provide.
Sharing the Good News
Christianity teaches that everyone is equal; it centers on one person sharing the Bread of Life with another. At its core, this principle encapsulates the essence of evangelism. When we fully experience God’s grace and mercy, we naturally want to share that life-changing experience with others. Like the lepers in 2 Kings 7:9 who discovered abundant food and felt compelled to share the good news, we also have the important duty to spread the hope and nourishment we’ve found in Christ.
“We are not doing right. This is a day of good news, and we are keeping it to ourselves.”
The Great Commission, as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew 28:19-20, calls us to make disciples of all nations, encouraging us to spread the message of salvation to those who are still searching for hope and truth in their lives, so that they too may experience the transformative power of faith.
A Call to Humility and Compassion
This analogy serves as a powerful reminder that we should always approach others with genuine humility. We should share the gospel not from a place of superiority, but as those who have found hope and genuinely want others to have that transformative experience too. Authentic Christian witness is rooted in love and compassion, acknowledging that we have all experienced being lost, which helps us connect with others. Ultimately, it is this shared experience and understanding that allow us to reach out with sincerity and grace.
Conclusion
Christianity teaches that it is not a religion of superiority but rather a gift of grace available to everyone who seeks it. It illustrates a beggar advising another beggar on where to find true sustenance—the Bread of Life. We rely on Christ and share the transformative good news with those seeking meaning and hope. Have you personally encountered the Bread of Life? If you’ve found it, are you making it a priority to direct others towards this incredible source of nourishment?
1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the devoted things; for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. Therefore Yahweh’s anger burned against the children of Israel. 2 Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth Aven, on the east side of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, “Go up and spy out the land.” The men went up and spied out Ai. 3 They returned to Joshua, and said to him, “Don’t let all the people go up but let about two or three thousand men go up and strike Ai. Don’t make all the people to toil there, for there are only a few of them.” 4 So about three thousand men of the people went up there, and they fled before the men of Ai. 5 The men of Ai struck about thirty-six men of them. They chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim, and struck them at the descent. The hearts of the people melted, and became like water. 6 Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before Yahweh’s ark until the evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads.
Joshua 7:1-6
(please read the rest of Joshua 7 on your own)
A satellite image of the middle east, showing Egypt, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Red Sea
Reflection
After the successful military campaign of Jericho, the Israelites came to the city of Ai. Compared to the fortified city of Jericho, Ai was a very small town with no walls. Ai was located to the east of Bethel, and about 2 miles to the west of Jericho. Abraham built an altar to the Lord between Ai and Bethel, Genesis 12:8. The Israelites’ first military campaign to take Ai was a total failure.
He left from there to go to the mountain on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to Yahweh and called on Yahweh’s name.
Genesis 12:8
The Israelites sinned because Achan secretly took some spoils of war from the battle of Jericho and hide them. The Lord forbade the Israelites from taking anything in Jericho. Everything must be destroyed because they were cursed. Only articles of gold, silver, brass, and bronze were to be preserved. Only Rahab, the prostitute, and those family members who stayed in her house would be saved. The LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites.
At that moment, Joshua did not know about this. He sent spies to Ai. Ai in Hebrews means heaps of ruins. Modern-day Ai is Baythin in the West Bank. The spies returned and told Joshua that Ai would be an easy target and that all they needed was a small army. Without enquiring from the LORD, Joshua sent three thousand fighting men to Ai.
They men of Ai defeated the Israelites on the battlefield. Thirty-six Israelites were dead and the rest fled out of Ai terrified with fear. Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothes, applied ashes on their heads, and fell prostrate before the ark until evening. The people in biblical times tear off their clothes and apply ashes on their heads during times of grief, mourning, and loss.
The Lord revealed to Joshua that one of his men had taken some spoils of war from the battle of Jericho and hidden them. Joshua assembled the people and drew lots tribe by tribe, clan by clan, family by family, and men by men until the lot fell on Achan.
During the Old Testament time, the Israelites drew lots using the Ummim and the Tummin to seek God’s will, Leviticus 8:8, Proverb 16:33.
He placed the breastplate on him, He put Urim and Tummin in the breast plate.
Leviticus 8:8
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh
Proverbs 16:33
Achan confessed to Joshua that he had taken a Babylonian robe, two hundred shekels of silver, and one piece of gold weighing fifty shekels, and had buried them in his tent. Joshua sent men to Achan’s tent, who went and brought back the stolen items. At the LORD’s command, Joshua and his men stoned Achan and his family members to death and burned their bodies with his animals, belonging, and stolen items in the valley of Achor.
Application
Sin
Joshua and his men were defeated at Ai because of many reasons. After the victory at Jericho, they became overconfident and proud. They did not seek God’s will and direction. They planned and acted on their own agenda and with their own strength.
You cannot hide any sin from God. God is omniscient and knows everything, Luke 8:17, Hebrews 4:13 Unconfessed sin will lead to a defeated spiritual life. If you have sinned, confess, repent and claim the promise of 1 John 1:9. God will forgive and restore you.
For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light
Luke 8:17
There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.
Hebrew 4:13
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
1 John 1:9
You must not be overconfident and proud because of past victories. Always seek God’s will and wait for His direction first. Do not fight the battle with your own strength. You are fighting a spiritual battle using spiritual weapons such i.e. prayer, fasting, worship, and the word of God, 2 Corinthians 10:4. The battle belongs to God and not to you. You are not fighting against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, Ephesians 6:12
the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds
2 Corinthians 10:14
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
Seeking God’s will
Buddhists draw lots to seek god’s will in the Buddhist temple. On the altar, they juggle a bamboo container containing sticks with words on them. If they juggle long enough, one of the sticks will fall out to the ground. The words on the stick will be taken as god’s answer to their prayer.
As a Christian, you do not draw a lot. You seek God’s will through prayer, fasting, worship, meditation, and bible study. God will also speak to you through the Bible, the still small voice and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and other mysterious ways.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we confessed that we are sinners. Please forgive our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. We pray that You will speak to us through Your Word, the still small voice, the Holy Spirit and other ways. Help us to discern Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. Help us to put on the full armor of God that You have provided for us. Thank You that the battle belongs to You, and not to us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dr Andrew C S Koh
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In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, Genesis 1:1
Satellite image of the earth from outer space
Reflection
Genesis begins with “in the beginning”. When is the beginning? Who created what?
The Hebrew word for “create” is bara, which means, to create something out of nothing.
In the beginning, in eternity past, God created the entire universe out of nothing.
God has no beginning because He is transcendent and outside our time-space continuum. God is pre-existent, self-existent, eternal, from everlasting to everlasting, from eternity past to eternity future. He is the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the alif and the tau, the A and the Z, the author and finisher of our faith.
God created the universe in six days. God’s reckoning of time is not the same as our reckoning of time. 1 day for God can be long as 1000 years and 1000 years can be as short as 1 day.
2 Peter 3:8, “But don’t forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.”
In God’s divine calendar, 2000 years can be as short as 2 days!
There are three theories regarding the universe. The young age theory postulates the universe to be 6000-plus years old. The old age theory postulates the universe to be 4.5 billion-plus years old. The gap theory postulates a time gap of billions of years between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2.
The Bible says that God created the universe into existence. There is no record of a big bang theory or evolution.
The Gospel of John also begins with “in the beginning.” In the beginning, Jesus Christ, the word of God was with God and was God.
in the beginning, was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God
John 1:1
Application
I find it is easier to believe in creation than in evolution. If you can believe that God created the heavens and the earth, you will have no problems believing the rest of the Bible.
Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity
Romans 12:2, J B Philips
Prayer
Heavenly Father, We pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to enlighten and give us wisdom and understanding of Your word. Open our hearts, minds, eyes, ears, and spirits to receive, understand, see, hear, feel, and apply Your word of eternal life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dr Andrew C S Koh
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Abraham was Abram before God changed his name to Abraham in Genesis 17:5. God appeared to Abram and called him to leave his home, relatives, country, and everything, to an unknown destination, with an unknown future. This was a tall order and it must have come as a shock to him. But God promised to bless him and the whole world, through him.
Genesis 17:5, Your name will no more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
Verses 1-3, 1 Now Yahweh said to Abram, “Leave your country, and your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who treats you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”
God called Abram to leave his dwelling place in Ur of the Chaldees, his relatives, his father’s house, to go to an undisclosed destination, not knowing what his future will be. The Hebrew word for God is the tetragrammaton YHWH, or Yahweh, represented by the capitalized LORD. Yahweh is the covenantal name of God.
God gave Abram 6 promises, make him into a great nation, bless him, make his name famous, bless those who bless him, curse those who curse him, and bless the whole world universally through him.
Verses 4-5, 4 So Abram went, as Yahweh had told him. Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 Abram took Sarai his wife, Lot his brother’s son, all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they went to go into the land of Canaan. They entered into the land of Canaan.
Abram did not fully obey the LORD. Abram left Ur of the Chaldees with his father, Terah, his wife Sarai, and his nephew Lot, see Acts 7:4. Ur of the Chaldees was Mesopotamia, present-day Iraq. Abram did not go to Canaan immediately. After leaving Ur of the Chaldees, he settled down in Haran instead of proceeding all the way to Canaan. Haran, in present-day Turkey, is northwest of Ur and is only halfway to Canaan.
Abram left Haran with his wife Sarai and nephew Lot, after the death of his father Terah, and traveled southwest to Shechem in Canaan. Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran. Canaan was present-day Israel.
Acts 7:4, “Then he came out of the land of the Chaldaeans and lived in Haran. From there, when his father was dead, God moved him into this land, where you are now living.”
Verses 6-8, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time, Canaanites were in the land. 7 Yahweh appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” He built an altar there to Yahweh, who had appeared to him. 8 He left from there to go to the mountain on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to Yahweh and called on Yahweh’s name.
Abram passed through Shechem in the land of Canaan The LORD appeared to Abram a second time and gave promised to give Canaan to him and his descendants. Abram built an altar to the LORD and prayed to Him at Shechem. He pitched his tent on a mountain between Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. Abram was an idol worshiper before God called him. Now he built an altar to Yahweh and worship the One true God. Abram was a nomad, pitching his tent as he went from place to place.
Verses 9-13, 9 Abram traveled, still going on toward the South. 10 There was a famine in the land. Abram went down into Egypt to live as a foreigner there, for the famine was severe in the land. 11 When he had come near to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman to look at. 12 It will happen that when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ They will kill me, but they will save you alive. 13 Please say that you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that my soul may live because of you.”
As Abram continued to travel south, the LORD tested him by bringing on a famine. Instead of trusting the LORD to provide for him in the famine, he went down to Egypt. Sarai was very beautiful and Abram was afraid the Egyptians would kill him. He pleaded with Sarai to lie to Pharoah by telling him that she was his sister. Abram the father of faith failed the test of faith! He ran away from Canaan because of a famine. He connived with his wife to tell a lie!
Verses 14-16, 14 When Abram had come into Egypt, Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. 15 The princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. 16 He dealt well with Abram for her sake. He had sheep, cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.
When Abram entered Egypt, Pharoah was struck by Sarai’s beauty and took her into his harem. He treated Abram well because he thought Abram was his sister. Pharoah gave Abram sheep, cattle, donkeys, servants, and camels.
Verses 17-20, 17 Yahweh afflicted Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. 18 Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this that you have done to me? Why didn’t you tell me that she was your wife? 19 Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her to be my wife? Now, therefore, see your wife, take her, and go your way.” 20 Pharaoh commanded men concerning him, and they escorted him away with his wife and all that he had.
The LORD struck Pharaoh and his household with plagues because he was trying to get close to Sarai. When Pharoah discovered that Sarai was Abram’s wife, he summoned Abram to leave Egypt immediately with all his possessions.
Application
The post-flood people wanted to make their names great by their own effort, but the LORD displaced them into obscurity and confused their language. The LORD called Abraham out from obscurity and his name great. Abraham did not do anything. He just had to believe and trust the LORD. You must not try to promote yourself. God will promote you if you believe and trust Him.
Abraham did not fully obey the LORD. He stopped at Haran and settled down there. He waited until his father’s death before proceeding to Canaan. If God calls you, will you obey Him fully, partially, or not at all? If you did not obey the LORD fully, you will miss out on His blessing.
Abram built a prayer altar to the LORD in Shechem. Have you built a prayer altar to the LORD in your house?
Abram’s faith was weak. He left Canaan when there was a famine. He told Sarai to tell a lie to Pharoah that she was his sister. Abram did not trust the LORD to provide for him in the famine. Will you trust God to provide for your needs? The LORD is Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides, Genesis 22:14.
Genesis 22:14, So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”
Spiritually speaking, going to Egypt is always going down, and going to Jerusalem is always going up. Egypt represents the world and Jerusalem represents the city of God.
Canaan is the promised land. God promised to give Canaan to Abram, Genesis 12:7.
If God called you to an unknown destination, and start from scratch, will you obey Him and go?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to obey You. Help us to follow Your leadership and guidance. You know what is best for us. You know how our future will end. Our future is in Your hand. Help us to walk worthy of Your calling. Increase our faith, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dr Andrew C S Koh
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