IMITATE THEIR FAITH/SARAH

Conclusion of "DOWNWARD TOWARD EGYPT"

Before long, events proved that Abraham's fears were well-founded; some of Pharaoh's princes noticed Sarah's stunning beauty-a remarkable trait at her age. They reported on her to Pharaoh, and he ordered that the woman be taken!  It is hard to imagine the anguish of Abraham or the fears that mush have afflicted Sarah.  However, it seems that she was treated, not as a hostage, but as an honored guest.  Perhaps Pharaoh planned to woo her and impress her with his wealth and then negotiate with her "brother" to obtain her as his wife. -Genesis 12:14-16. 

Think of Sarah, looking out over the Egyptian landscape from a palace window or balcony. How did she feel, living within walls again, with a roof over her head, with fine foods put before her?  Was she tempted by a life of luxury-perhaps a life even more opulent than anything she had known back Ur?  Imagine how pleased Satan would have been if she had sought to abandon Abraham and become the wife of this Pharaoh!  But Sarah did nothing of the kind. She was loyal to her husband, to her marriage, and to her God.  If only every married person in today's world would show such loyalty!  Can you imitate Sarah's loyalty in your dealings with your own loved ones and friends?

Jehovah intervened to protect this beloved woman, sending plagues against Pharaoh and his household. When Pharaoh somehow learned that Sarah was Abraham's wife, he sent her back to her husband and asked the whole family group to leave Egypt.  (Genesis 12:17-20 How delighted Abraham was to get his dear wife back!  Remember that he had lovingly said to her:  "I know what a beautiful woman you are."  But he appreciated another kind of beauty in Sarah far more-a beauty that ran deeper than her mere appearance.  Sarah had true inner beauty, the kind that Jehovah values.  (1 Peter 3:1-5) That is a kind of beauty that all of can cultivate. If we put spiritual things ahead of material things, try to share our knowledge of God with others, and loyally uphold God's moral standards in the face of temptations, we will imitate the faith of Sarah.

Next time: How to Keep Peace With Your Relatives

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