The Paradox of Sarah: When Submission Goes Too Far

Sarah, the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac, is often held up as a model of submission in Christian circles. But scratch beneath the surface, and you'll find a more complex story - one that warns us of the dangers of unconditional submission.


The Risks of Unconditional Submission

When Sarah submitted to Abraham's request to pretend to be his sister, she put herself in a vulnerable position. As a woman in a foreign land, without the protection of her own family or community, she was at risk of:

    - Sexual exploitation: Pharaoh and Abimelech, the kings who took her into their palaces, likely expected to have sexual relations with her. This would have been a traumatic experience for Sarah.

    - Emotional manipulation: By pretending to be Abraham's sister, Sarah may have been forced to play a role that compromised her own identity and autonomy.

    - Loss of agency: By following Abraham's plan, Sarah relinquished control over her own life and decisions.

    - Physical harm: If discovered, the deception could have led to physical punishment or even death.


A More Nuanced Story

But here's the thing: Sarah didn't have to be a doormat. In Genesis 21, she stands up for herself and her son Isaac, refusing to let Abraham's other son, Ishmael, threaten their well-being. She asserts her authority, and God backs her up!


Lessons for Today's Women

So what can we learn from Sarah's story?

1..Submission is not the same as slavery. While Sarah modeled trust and obedience, she also knew when to stand up for herself. We must discern when submission becomes harmful.

2.God values our agency. In Genesis 21, God affirms Sarah's authority and decision-making. We are not mere passive recipients of God's will; we are active participants.

3.Church teachings can be flawed. The emphasis on unconditional submission can lead women into danger, just like Sarah. We must question teachings that prioritize submission over safety and well-being.

4.God's Protection. While God may protect you when you choose to submit, it is better to not put yourself into a position to need His protection. It is much better to be "backed-up" by God.


The Protection vs. Backing Distinction

In Genesis 12 and 20, when Sarah went along with Abraham's plan to pretend to be his sister, God did not explicitly back her up. In fact, God intervened to prevent harm from coming to Sarah, but He never did condone the deception.

In Genesis 12:17-20, God afflicted Paraoh's household with plagues, leading him to realize his mistake and return Sarah to Abraham. In Genesis 20:3-7, God appeared to Abimelech in a dream, warning him not to touch Sarah, and Abimelech returned her to Abraham.

In neither case did God affirm or reward Sarah's deception. Instead, He protected her from the consequences of her actions. However, the argument could also be made that Pharoah had to undergo discipline by God, through the great plague he sent, because of Sarah's blind submission to Abraham. While God protected her, others suffered because of her deception.

It was only in Genesis 21, when Sarah stood up for herself and her son Isaac, that God explicitly affirmed her authority and decision-making (Genesis 21:12).  This also shows that God is pleased when we stand up for the children he has blessed us with.

Some might say, "Submit and God will protect you." But is that always the best approach? When we submit to sin or wrongdoing, we may be putting ourselves in harm's way. In fact, the Bible teaches us to stand up against sin and injustice, even if it means going against authority (Acts 5:29, Revelation 2:20). Submitting to sin can lead to further harm and compromise our values and integrity. Instead, let's stand up for what's right and trust God to back us up. 

The distinction between God protecting us in our mistakes versus backing us up when we stand up for what's right is crucial. When we take a stand against sin and injustice, we can trust that God will support and vindicate us (Psalm 82:3-4, Proverbs 31:8-9).

It is wonderful for me to know that God has protected me from very bad situations. However, it is also important for me to recognize that submitting to wrongdoing has had long-term consequences and harmed others. By standing up for myself, and what's right, I may have avoided further harm and grown in my faith and confidence.


Conclusion

Sarah's story teaches us that submission should never come at the cost of our safety, well-being, or agency. Let's learn from her example and stand up for ourselves when necessary, trusting God to support and vindicate us.

Scripture references:

- Genesis 12:5, 20:1-2 (Sarah's submission)

- Genesis 12:14-15, 20:2-3 (Sarah in Pharaoh's and Abimelech's palaces)

- Genesis 21:9-10 (Sarah stands up for herself and Isaac)

- Genesis 21:12 (God affirms Sarah's authority)


Inspiration:

- "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." – Psalm 34:18

- "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control." – 2 Timothy 1:7

© 2024 AKeenPerspective SDKeen

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