Genesis 12:12

New International Version (NIV)

When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live.

For meditation

Presumption is a multi-socket outlet for all kinds of sin. It is driven by imagination and fueled by fear. Anything can fit into its mold, and it checks out very well to the engaged person. It packs such a convincing power that our imagination becomes the real deal that is carried along on an action trail until the worse happens and reality checks in. It then changes its garb and assumes the role of a mocker. Ask father Abraham about it.

It was a real crisis. The famine in the land sent Abraham to Egypt, the nation that was flowing with abundant food. He had to protect his family. But something that shouldn’t have been a problem became another problem for Abraham. His wife, Sarai, was very beautiful. The way he imagined things, Sarai’s beauty could easily become his death warrant, and so he put in a plan to cover himself.

“The people there are very wicked. They will kill you and take your beautiful wife,” Presumption said.

“So what can I do?” Abraham said.

“Have you forgotten that she is your half-sister? Play that card and you will get to keep your wife and enjoy an Egyptian hospitality as well,” Presumption suggested.

And so it was, when Abraham arrived in Egypt. Pharaoh got wind of Sarai’s beauty, got interested when he was told that the man with her was only a brother, and so she was taken to the king. Presumption congratulated Abraham, and Pharaoh rewarded him liberally. God, however, was offended; but for grace.

1. Has your imagination carried you that far before?
2. Has it made you fearful of everything and suspicious of everyone?
3. Has your imagination caused you to presume the worst situation with its attendant fear?
4. What kind of action did your presumption suggest to you and what options did it present to you?
5. Are you comfortable with them? Would those actions glorify or offend God?

 I pray you realize how dangerous it is to presume on people and situations without fact checking. It could lead to many offenses and the destruction of relationships.

So: May you rein in your imaginations and, therefore, arrest every dangerous presumption before they put on the garb of truth to deceive you; and may the Holy Spirit give you discernment about everything and courage to confront every uncertain situation with boldness in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Shalom