Genesis 12:10-20; Psalm 10

Genesis 12:10-20 We see once again that God is an honest biographer, disclosing Abram's faults as well as his virtues. This incident is particularly humiliating for Abram. He lies about his relationship with Sarai, calling her his sister rather than his wife in order to save himself from possible death. The Bible says that the Lord did not approve of this, and He plagued Pharaoh's house after Sarai was recruited for his harem. We are not told how Pharaoh connected the dots, but he apparently learned the truth and sent Abram packing along with Sarai and all his entourage. In spite of Abram's weakness, we know that God keeps His promises. God protected Sarai, and He will keep His promise to make Abram's descendants a great nation.

This reminds us that no human being is without sin. In this New Testament age, if we are trusting Christ as our Savior, we know that our sins are already "paid in full" by Jesus Himself. However, our fellowship with God can be hindered when we, as believers, sin. We will see in the narrative about Abram that he turned back to God in repentance and worship. In our case, we need to apply 1 John 1:8-9 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Remember that John writes this to believers! When we agree with God about our sin, our fellowship with Him is restored.

Psalm 10
This Psalm starts out with despair. Sometimes we hear that we're not supposed to question God, but the psalmist twice asks "why" in the first verse! He wonders why God seems to ignore the wicked, and sometimes He even seems to bless them! vv. 1-13. Finally, in vv. 14-18, he comes around to remembering the truth about God. Exactly what does he say about God?

• He sees trouble and grief.
• He is a Helper to the helpless and the fatherless.
• He will judge the wicked.
• "The LORD is King forever and ever."
• He hears the humble, prepares their hearts and causes them to hear Him.
• He does justice for the fatherless and oppressed.

"The LORD is King forever and ever." Psalm 10:16