"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..."2Timothy 3:16

Message from Genesis Chapter 20

Just as Moon, the beautiful creation of God, has spots in it, and the fairest of marbles has flaws in it, the greatest celebrity in the Old Testament, Abraham, too had flaws. Look at the impartial way of God in projecting the folly of the one, who is called the man of faith, friend of God, etc.

After living for twenty years in Mamre Abraham sojourned to Gerar. Abraham is also called sojourner; he moved from one place to another. We also look forward to reaching heaven, our final destination, while being sojourners in this world just as Abraham was. When he moved to Gerar, he committed an unusual sin, unbecoming of the status he held in the presence of God and men. It also renders him the character of cowardice. At a time when Sarah was with a child, a promised seed in her womb, he asked her to call herself as Abraham’s sister. He was worried more about his own life than living up to the truth.

Because of the folly of Abraham, Abimelech, the king of Gerar excels in character. The one who was about to commit sin is restored. Abimelech sent for Sarah, and took her to his house, in order to the take her to his bed. Note that usually one sin paves the way for another. It is indeed disastrous, especially when the sin of God’s child paves the way for ungodly to commit sin. Let us, as the children of God, examine ourselves, if our ways are leading others to commit sins.

Because God made covenant with Abraham, who was also the God’s closest friend He intervenes and prevents ugliest situation to pop up. Psalmist asserts in Psalm 105:13-15 “When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people; He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; saying, touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”

God appears to Abimelech, King of Gerar, in a dream and gives him notice that he was going to commit sin, and He also reveals that Sarah is none other than Abraham’s wife. He also gets warning that if he takes her he will face death. Abimelech pleads innocent before God and implores for mercy and not punish him and his nation. God grants Abimelech his petition and imputes him no sin.

One aspect that needs to be noted here is that a great deal of sin was devised but it was not executed. More often than not, God restrains people to commit sin. No temptation is beyond the control of men, and in fact in every situation God provides a way out. It is by our willful act that we fall in to sin, or lead others into sin. In situations where we choose to fall willfully into sin against the will of God, He does not interfere, inasmuch as He has given us free will. He will rather hide His face and that is the time when Satan takes advantage and attacks us.

Abimelech restores Abraham, his wife, but not before having a great deal of argument and chiding Abraham. He even goes to mock Abraham, that if that was the profession of prophets, he would have none of it.

Abimelech lets Abraham know that he was kept from proceeding in to the sin because of the good hand of God upon him: I withheld thee from sinning against me. Abimelech thereby was kept from committing sin. Nevertheless we see Abimelech also needed grace from God. He too had flaws.

Let us depend upon God always to keep us from sinning. Let us give him access to our will. Let Him be our guide and leader, so that Satan will not be triumphant in our lives.

Let us praise Jesus who alone is sinless, holy and righteous. Let us worship our Jesus, who alone is worthy of praise and worship. Let us look unto Jesus, who bore our sins and died on the cross of Calvary, so that we are freed from our sins. And let us surrender to Jesus, who alone is flawless, and dependable and greater than Abraham.

God bless you

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