Flip-flop Better Half by Robin Densmore Fuson

 

We are in the series I wrote, Sidekick and Better Half. Last time we followed the climbing abilities of Johnathan and his sidekick without a name. This lesson is titled, Flip-flop Better Half.

Today, we will sit in the stands and watch a tennis match. The prominent player may think he will walk away with a perfect Love game.

Let me introduce you to a well-known couple in scripture. Abraham and Sarah. Or Abram and Sarai, the names given at birth. Later in their lives, God changed their names to the lengthened and familiar versions. These two lived extremely long lives and were playing for love.

But…

Doubt and fear can be overriding factors in any relationship, even the love game.

Way back in the day, when bloodlines were heathy and pure, it wasn’t a cause for alarm to marry your half-sister. So, when Abram asked Sarai, “Will you marry me?” She jumped right in with eyes wide open. Yes!

This is my take on their story:

Their relationship seemed strong. Good in fact. Sarai didn’t seem to mind the nomad life Abram gave her, as he followed the Lord. Her husband lavished her with gifts and gave her servants and luxurious colorful tents to live in and soft sheepskin blankets and wraps. The sturdy yet supple kid leather sandals were stylish. And don’t forget jewels and silk. If asked, she would say, “Abram is my better half.”

Abram surprised Sarai one cool evening as Sarai sat outside on a pile of rugs. “My dear, I have something special for you. All yours. Sit still. Close your eyes.”

Moments of anticipation went by. She thought about what present he would give her this time. A sparkling ruby? A new servant? She heard him clicking his tongue and suddenly a wet nudge and loud sniff met her face.

Her Better Half’s voice held excitement. “Open your eyes and behold!”

A golden colored calf. Young, a baby, no hump yet. Only a soft mound on top and incredible soft fur. Sarai buried her face in the cashmere feel of the wool. The youngster wrapped its long neck around Sarai in a hug. She giggled and turned her face to her husband. “For me? Do I get to train her? Name her?”

He nodded and grinned, his teeth glistening white against his bronzed, handsome face.

Sarai gushed, “I’ll call her Oasis. Fitting. Don’t you agree? When is she strong enough to carry me?”

“She is only five months. She will lose her first wool soon. Her bones are soft and she still needs her birth momma. She is yours to train until fully grown and then she will work for you. You may ride her in five years for brief sets of time, until she is used to it. Make her as you expect her to be. Eleazer can help with questions and one of his sons can teach you.”

Sarai hugged Abram. “Thank you my beloved. My Better Half. You are so very kind to me.”

She felt loved and wished she could give Abram the gift he deserved, a son. An heir. The only weight between them. He never said a word about it, but she knew.

Time strengthened the bond between Oasis and Sarai. Her camel didn’t spit, grunt, or bellow. A few hums and on occasion a groan if supper didn’t arrive early. Her appetite seemed as large as her heart. Oasis learned fast and grew strong, yet tender toward Sarai.

 Unfortunately, famine hit. The happy family went to Egypt for food. This is when the changes started. The relationship shifted between Sarai and Abram.

Right before they got to the capital city, Abram tutted his camel next to Oasis. “Sarai my dear beautiful wife. I fear your beauty will be my death. They will kill me and take you. Please tell them you are my sister.”

She bowed her head hiding the tear that escaped.

The worst thing in the world—she became the talk of the town. The king heard of her and sent soldiers who took her to Pharoah’s harem!

Then they poured salt in the wound by giving gifts to Abram. It felt like payment for her! But what about her feelings? Her better half? She didn’t think of him that way now.

God protected her. God stepped in and gave a plague to Pharoah and his family. God told Pharoah Sarai was Abram’s wife. Pharoah also felt betrayed and released Sarai and sent her and Abram out along with all the gifts given to them.

Abram tried to appease Sarai for the wrong he did. “Sarai my dear, I make your life better with a new servant. I traded a cow and two goats for her. A new handmaid, they call her, Hagar.”  

 

Abram and Sarai flip-flopped. She became the better half. Her husband betrayed her by saying she was his sister. What if God hadn’t stepped in? She would’ve been taken to Pharoah’s bed.

Right outside of Egypt, fear got ahold of him. Abram let fear have free range in his heart. He didn’t go to the Lord and ask if the famine would last and if he should go to Egypt. He didn’t ask for provision from the Lord that had promised him all the land Cannan and innumerable descendants. Then, if that wasn’t bad enough, he asked his beloved not to say a word, when he lied about her position in his family.

Fear led him down a slippery slope. He let fear sway his thinking causing him to lie. A half-truth is not the whole truth. A sister yes. A wife tops that. He put his life before his wife.

Can you think of a time when you let fear take over? The first place to go is to the Lord. He will help you fight fear. Fear lies to you. Fear is a dart from the devil. We fear because we are afraid of losing something. Abram was afraid he would lose his life. Fear is strong. And as a liar it is often irrational. Abram wasn’t threatened. He went in with a lie.

 We find this lesson in Genesis 12:10-20

This occasion was the first erosion in their relationship.

Tune in for more episodes in Flip-flop Better Half included in the series, Sidekick and Better half.    

Watch the first video: Sidekick and Better Half intro 

Watch the next lesson: Get the Point