Sarah

“In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the world, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.  And let not your adornment be merely external  – braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.  For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used o adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands.  Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do  what is right without being frightened by any fear.”- 1 Peter 3:1-6

Behind every good man, is a great woman.  This is saying well known, especially amongst married couples.  Sarah is known as a women of faith like her husband Abraham.  Abraham and Sarah were Chaldeans.  This group of people were known to be fierce and impetuous people according to Habakkuk 1:6.  The Chaldeans eventually became known as the Babylonians.  Sarah married Abraham.  They weren’t Israelites yet because their grandson had not been born yet.  They are not Jews because that name comes from their great grandson Judah.  Yet, God called them and they obeyed.  It is through them that God established a new people- The people of God.  Was Abraham and Sarah perfect?  No!  They were flawed and imperfect.  However, they were faithful.

Sarah was a follower.   She followed Abraham to Canaan, Egypt, and back to Canaan. Sarah was submissive to her husband.  She was submissive even when he was wrong.  Read Genesis 12: 10-20.  From this passage, what did Abraham ask Sarah to do?  Was Sarah wrong to do what Abraham asked?  Did Abraham’s plan protect Sarah from harm?  How did God take care of Sarah?

Abraham did not trust  God in protecting them in Egypt.  He told a half – truth, that Sarah was his sister.  She was actually a half sister.  By not saying that Sarah was his wife, Abraham put her in harms way.  Was Sarah wrong in obeying Abraham in this situation?  According to Peter, Sarah did what was right and obeyed her husband.  God didn’t hold Sarah responsible.  He protected her.

Read 16:1-2.  What was Sarah’s idea, and where do you think she got it?  It had been a long time since Abraham heard from God.  Sarah took things into her own hands.  She gave her servant to Abraham to have a child with. Then Hagar started to se herself as Abraham’s wife.  The two women were at odds with one another.  Sarah struggled with believing and trusting God.

Every day we must choose to trust God.  We must walk in faith with God daily.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being patient with us.  Thank you for protecting us because of others mistakes and disobedience.  Please help us to choose to be faithful to you and to trust you.

In Jesus Name

Amen