MY BACKWARDS JOURNEY Day 3

In Genesis Chapter 12 verses 10-20, we see a horrible side of Abram upon entering Egypt.  To save his life, he lies to Pharaoh’s officials about his wife Sarai.  He gives her basically be one of Pharaoh’s wives, to save his own hide.  This was such a despicable act that the pagan Pharaoh was greatly disturbed when he found out the truth. 

So a truth is seen that even after the Promise given to Abram, he was not just a major “work in progress” with God, but also totally incapable of being Godly on his own.  Even after this, in Chapter 15 God shows that He loves Abram even sinning.   God restates the Promise given earlier, and Abram believes God and it was credited to him as righteousness. 

How could God so readily forgive Abram and continue the Promise and to use such a low life loser to be the Father of God’s Nation?  That question to me can only be explained by the following statement. 

God’s Promise didn’t change based on Abram’s lack of integrity or his actions…The Promise was based on God’s integrity and character, not Abrams.

The same is true for us.  God’s Promise does not change based on my actions, my integrity or character…It is based on His character and integrity.   While my actions can limit my access to the Promises of God, it does not change the Promise.  The People of God (Israel) in Genesis and Exodus always had the Promise of God, but their journey hit bumps in the road based on their heart and actions.  Things went well when they “loved God and walked in His ways”.  Things were often difficult when they were in rebellion, but it did not change the Promise of God.  God’s purpose even in judging Israel was to reach out to then and extend His mercy to restore them.