Genesis 20

Scripture:  Genesis chapter 20

Observation:  Abraham is traveling south, and once again tells everyone that his wife Sarah is his sister.  Obviously at her advanced age Sarah is still a beautiful woman, because King Abimelech takes her as a bride.  The Lord appears to Abimelech in a dream and tells him he will die for taking a married woman into his home.  Abimelech is shocked; he has heard from Abraham that Sarah is his sister, and Sarah had confirmed it.  Would the Lord punish an innocent man?  But since God had not allowed Abimelech to touch Sarah, and since Abimelech was indeed ignorant of the truth, the Lord spared him with the understanding that Sarah would be returned to Abraham.  First thing in the morning Abimelech seeks out Abraham and demands to know why he was lied to - he could have lost his life!  Abraham's excuse was simply, he didn't want to be killed by the ungodly men of Gerar because of his wife.  Besides, she really was his sister; Sarah was the daughter of his father, so she was his half-sister.  Abimelech offered Abraham land, money, anything he wanted, so that God's favor would return to his home, since no one in his household bore children until Sarah was returned and Abraham prayed for the house of King Abimelech.

Application:  Abraham didn't learn his lesson the first time, and lied about Sarah again.  It could have cost a king and his household their lives.  Thankfully God is forgiving.  This does not justify Abraham's behavior nor does it mean God allows His people to lie; instead, it shows that God takes care of His children but will bring punishment upon those who disobey Him.

Prayer:  Father, I know I have been as guilty as Abraham of repeating sin time and time again.  How patient and loving you are!  It doesn't make it right; I need to make more effort to obey You in all things.  I am thankful that You are forgiving and give us more than just second chances.  I pray my appreciation for Your kindness is shown in my forgiving others when they repeatedly sin and repent.  Thank You Father, for forgiveness.  In Jesus name, Amen.