Abraham's faith journey (blunder) #11

 September 11, 2020 (Friday)

     In Genesis 20 Abraham repeats his blunder. “Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, “She is my sister.” So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace.” [Genesis 20:2 NLT] Once again, God has to intervene.

     I think these lies and the position it put him in were a satanic attempt to derail God’s plan. This was after God vowed that Sarah would have a child within the year. I can see where it might have been suggested that Isaac was Abimelech’s son. But the story is clear, “But Abimelech had not slept with her yet…” [Genesis 20:4a NLT] God agrees. “In the dream God responded, “Yes, I know you are innocent. That’s why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her.” [Genesis 20:6 NLT]

     For the second time in his life, Abraham is called before a king and reprimanded. “Then Abimelech called for Abraham. “What have you done to us?” he demanded. “What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done!” [Genesis 20:9 NLT] Anyone ever hear someone ask “What were you thinking?”

     Abraham’s admits to his fear, “Abraham replied, “I thought, ‘This is a godless place. They will want my wife and will kill me to get her." [Genesis 20:11] Then Abraham admits to the long-standing lie… errr plan. “When God called me to leave my father’s home and to travel from place to place, I told her, ‘Do me a favor. Wherever we go, tell the people that I am your brother.’” [Genesis 20:13 NLT]

     What is pathetic is God has to take steps to protect Abraham from himself. It is also bitter that Abimelech and his wife faced illness due to Abraham's lie. Abimelech puts together a ceremony to announce Sarah’s true relationship with Abraham, with a small jab. He then offers an amount of silver to settle any legal claim and clear his reputation (see Genesis 20:14 - 16).

     I think it is dismal that someone who is not specifically a believer in the one true God acts more honorably than Abraham. Once again fear has silenced faith. What offends my sensitivities is, Abraham seems to get away with it. It might be tempting to see Abraham’s example of lying, profiting from it, and God’s silence on his actions as a “green light” to lying.

     Inconveniently for those thinking lying is okay, Jesus described the Devil, “When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” [John 8:44c ESV] He is also a murderer and hates the truth (see John 8:44). “Character” is who we are which drives our behavior. When we lie we demonstrate we are children of the devil.

     So, who’s your daddy?