“He treated Abram well because of her, and Abram acquired flocks and herds, male and female donkeys, male and female slaves, and camels. But the Lord struck Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai.” (Genesis 12:16–17, CSB)
But the Lord struck Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai. No matter how well things go with our schemes men, there is a God in Heaven who balances the scales and brings justice to our wives when we mistreat them.
Abram’s little scheme goes so well in the beginning. Pharaoh is so excited with Sarai as his new wife that he not only showers Abram with gifts but opens the financial and social doors of Egypt to him.
Soon, Abram is rolling in wealth. He’s becoming a “who’s who” in the political and social world there. Things seem to be going well and even God seems to be blessing his little secret. And then it happened. God stepped in and made a judgment … a severe judgment!
And this is the way God protects our wives. He will allow our selfish little schemes to run for a little while, but hear me men: There is a day of reckoning coming. God doesn’t tolerate selfishness in the man who is supposed to imitate His Son, Jesus, and His love! (See Ephesians 5:25)
While Sarai did what Abram asked of her, we can be sure she wasn’t pleased with it or him. Did she cry out in prayer or did she just cry before the God who sees every tear and hears every sob?
Abram’s short-term gain cost him in long-term pain. First, God struck his host (Pharaoh and Egypt) with severe plagues. Second, Abram’s reputation was trashed all over Egypt – no one would believe Him because he had lied about something so sacred. And finally, the king himself, Pharaoh, expelled Abram from Egypt as persona non grata. His livelihood and his reputation were in ruins.
Today is a good day to stop and ask yourself if the way you are dealing with your wife sets well at God’s Throne in Heaven. Is He pleased with the way you treat her, His beloved gift to you? Anything less than a whole-hearted, “Yes!” will require some life changes.
Magnificent Marriage Mondays are helpful hints, clues, ideas, and solutions for the child of God who is looking for a spouse, in a relationship with someone, or are already married. Each post seeks to bring help, hope, and honesty to your life and make the rest of your life, the best of your life. They are written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and come from his 38 years, 5 months and 2 days experience with his wife, Melodee, who was promoted to Heaven on November 11, 2017. He is currently seeking God’s will for his new life partner. He welcomes your comments below.
