''Sara: a Submissive Woman'' (Genesis 11:29-12:20,16;23:1-2)''Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!'' (Luke 1:42)
Sarah was born in Ur of the Chaldeans, the daughter of Terah, who worship idols (Josh. 24:2). At first she was called Sarai, which means to contend, but her name was changed to Sarah (princess) when she was 90 years old. God gave her a new name as a sign of His covenant to bring about a new nation through her womb ( Gen. 17:15-16). She was married to her half-brother, Abraham, and traveled north with his family to Haran in Canaan. Marriage between brothers and sister was necessary at that time, though later family unions were forbidden as incestuous (Lev. 18) Sarah's submission to Abraham when she followed her husband to Canaan and Egypt. She also submitted to his plan to conceal their marriage from Pharaoh. Believing Sarah's beauty to be desired by Pharaoh, Abraham feared for his life and asked Sarah to say that she was his sister. She was taken to Pharaoh's house, and Abraham was treated well. Pharaoh learned about their marriage and sent Sarah away. Submission to authority often requires a wife to follow her husband to unknown destinations. God blessed Sarah's obedience to Him and her submission to Abraham, and He graciously protected her even though she disobeyed His laws. A wife must remember that her submission is not only to her husband but also to God and His plan for their marriage. Submissive Sarah became impatient as she waited on the Lord to give her a child. She decided to take matter into her own hands. She chose to interfere in God's plan, to manipulate His will. (Gen. 16) God gave Abraham a son by Hagar ( Ishmael) and, as promised, a son by Sarah (Isaac). Sarah began to hate Hagar and Ishmael as obvious reminders of her disobedience and lack of faith. Hagar and Ishmael were sent away, but Ishmael later became a father of nations. Sarah's sin and selfishness bore grave consequences, but God restored her relationship with Him. Her faith was renewed, and she resumed her roles as a submissive wife and a follower of God. Sarah's death was greatly mourned by her godly husband (Gen. 23:1-2) and that she was remembered as one of the faithful (Heb.11:11) indicate that Sarah lived a holy life in her later years. Having died at the age of 127 in the land of Canaan, she was buried in a cave in the field of Machpelah. Sarah experienced the blessings of submission and the consequences of disobedience. When she rebelled against God's authority, her life was shattered. When she repented of her rebellion and submitted to God's authority, Sarah was blessed beyond her wildest imagination.