Today we’re reading Genesis 20 from the
New Living Translation.R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEDITATE-PRAY)READ: Here are some things that stood out to me...
“she is my sister…”
Sarah was in her 90’s. And King Abimelech of Gerar wanted her.
Abraham was hiding behind a half-truth.
Motivated by fear, he argued, “she really is my sister...” (vs 12).
Only he had left out the other part - that he had married her.
APPLY: A half truth is always a lie. God knew that - and he loved Abraham and Sarah too much to let them get by with it.
Not only did God expose the lie - he also blew Abraham’s cover - telling Abimelech, “Now return the woman to her husband, and he will pray for you, FOR HE IS A PROPHET” (vs 7).
Abraham, despite being a prophet, was still a sinner.
And it’s important to note that Abraham’s lie didn’t absolve Abimelech of responsibility for his actions. He was still wrong.
In the end, Abraham prayed for Abimelech and God brought healing to that community. Whew. Close call. Abraham and Sarah are on the verge of finally seeing God’s promise to them fulfilled in the birth of Isaac & we’ll read about that in the next chapter.
But for now, when God exposes something in our lives, that’s his discipline - and he does it because he loves us.
MEDITATE: Psalm 94:12 “Joyful are those you discipline, LORD, those you teach with your instructions.”
PRAY: Jesus, teach us to love the truth.
What's your application?
Today is your “On Ramp!”
Shawn.
Ps -
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