Love and Trust

Scripture Texts: Genesis 12:10-20; Genesis 20; 1 Peter 3:1-6

The two passages in Genesis present situations that are not the first thoughts we have of Abraham. The same person that God uses to begin the people called Israel is now practicing deception. It can be said Abraham was trying to protect his wife in both situations, however deception is not the best avenue to accomplish the protection.

In the end Abraham brings the possibility of curse to whole groups of people rather than bringing blessing. At the root of Abraham's actions is a failure to trust in God. Abraham thought he needed to plot and scheme to keep himself and Sarah safe from the foreign kings. In reality Abraham needed only to trust God.

In the middle of all this is Sarah. She is faithfully following the directions of her husband. We do not
know if she asked any questions, or protested in any way. What we do know is that she followed Abraham's lead. When Peter writes his letter to a church, Sarah is lifted up as being obedient to God and to her husband. Her beauty is not only because of outward appearance but it is from her relationship with God.

The relationship between a husband and wife is the most essential earthly relationship. The scriptures have some clear and often unpopular views on the dynamics of this relationship. Peter writes, "In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands." In many circles today this is not popular or practiced.

We decided long ago to live in our marriage using the words of Peter and the words of Paul in Ephesians 5 as a recipe for a healthy marriage. Over the years we have been criticized for this as well as being praised for this. However, what matters most to us is whether we are being faithful to what God calls us, and living in accordance with the Scriptures. We have to trust God more than the values of the world around us.

Before closing today's entry it is important to note how we live this out in our marriage. Yes Sarah accepts my authority, or as Paul says it she submits. However, I then am responsible to lead and love my wife in the same way that Christ leads and loves the church. This is not a life of oppression rather one of love, trust and faithfulness that neither of us would trade for anything.