Genesis 20:1-18
In this chapter we find the sorry tale of Abraham falling into exactly the same sin as he did before. Although he had now been walking with God for many years and should have known better, his relocation to the region of Gerar made him fearful. So, just as he had done in Egypt, Abraham presented Sarah as his sister (see Genesis 12:10-20). Not surprisingly, the same result ensued; once again she was taken into the harem of a heathen king. The situation was particularly dire on this occasion because Sarah was due to give birth within the year to the son whom God had promised. God did not want there to be any doubt that the son she bore was the offspring of Abraham.
Abraham’s behaviour dishonoured his wife, it dishonoured King Abimelech and it dishonoured God. But God had not called and gifted Abraham because he deserved it. So, when Abraham sinned it did not disqualify him. Rather than abandon him, God stepped in to deliver him from the mess into which he had got himself and to protect the plan that He was working out through him.
Romans 11:29 (AMPC) “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.]”
The Lord rescued Sarah from Abimelech’s harem before he had the opportunity to touch her (vv.4,6), thus ensuring that there would be no doubt about the paternity of her child. Meanwhile, Abraham was brought face to face with his sin when he was scolded for his underhand behaviour by the heathen king. He could not deny that Abimelech had acted far more honourably than himself, so his reprimand would have been deeply challenging. But, in spite of Abraham’s failure, God acknowledged him as His prophet (v.7) and declared that it would be through Abraham’s prayers that Abimelech and his household would be healed of their infertility. Though Abimelech might not have had much respect for Abraham as a man, he would certainly have had respect for Abraham’s God and would not dare to take action against one who was so clearly protected by Him.
This passage serves to remind us that, no matter how long we have walked with the Lord or how mature we believe ourselves to be, we all have the potential to sin and get off track. As soon as we allow ourselves to be led by our emotions, or our fleshly desires, we open ourselves up to the work of the enemy who wants to abort our destiny.
However, it also reminds us that God is with us and wants us to accomplish the kingdom work for which he made us. No matter how much of a mess we may make of things, He never changes His mind about us or gives up on us. He watches over those who belong to Him and works on our behalf to get us back on track, walking out our journey of faith with Him. I have seen people who have been stuck in no man’s land for years, believing that their sin was far too great for God to use them ever again. Yet the Lord has restored them to relationship with Himself and released them into more effective ministry than they had before. We have a gracious God.
2 Timothy 2:13 “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.”
Prayer
Dear Father God,
Thank You that even when I mess up You do not give up on me. You know my human frailty, yet You choose to use me for Your kingdom purposes. Help me to grow in integrity and trust so that I can live in a way that honours You. But when I do fall, thank You that You will correct me and bring me back on track.
Amen.
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