Blessing? Really?

All seems fine as Abraham and those with him move in the land God has promised (6–9), until there is a “severe” famine (10). The simply told narrative leaves unanswered issues concerning Abraham’s actions and the outcomes. There is no hint that going to Egypt showed lack of faith, and the only explicit criticism of Abraham’s stratagem is from Pharaoh! Others often rightly challenge God’s people. Unexpectedly, Abraham profits greatly (16,20) while God afflicts the unwitting Pharaoh and his household (17). Understandably, Pharaoh senses that there is something special about Abraham and Sarah (see Psa. 105:15), so it is no wonder he sends Abraham “on his way, with his wife and everything he had” (20). Abraham ends up being blessed but Pharaoh does not. What is going on here? Very early in the story of God’s people, any idea that the promise of blessing means a smooth path is soon shattered! A pattern is set. Hebrews 11 provides a good overview of the lives of “witnesses” (Heb. 12:1), climaxing in Jesus and the experience of his followers (Heb. 12:2,3). Today we read the first of many stories showing God at work in the messiness of human responses to threatening situations. How to act in difficult times is not always straightforward, nor are we able to see, let alone control, all of the consequences. In the midst of all, God surprises with blessings. He also ensures that his purposes through Abraham and his seed (7, “offspring”) continue—for Abraham and Sarah, for Christ with the resurrection and on through all who belong to Christ (Gal. 3:16,29). Receiving blessing does not depend on us getting it right, nor is God thwarted when we get things wrong! That is the wonder of his loving grace, although sadly our actions do not always bring blessings to others.

Are you walking a “famine” situation? How can you find your security in the God who blesses you to bless others?