“Imperfect Saints” Pt 4 of 5:
Lots of attention has been placed upon Abraham’s lie to King Abimelech about Sarah being his sister, not his wife (Genesis 20). Lying is what people do to cover up a wrong they have committed or to make something look better than it actually is.
Abraham’s sin was caused by his lack of faith plus thinking he could get away with it. Isn’t that why people lie in the first place? They believe no one will ever find out, but in most cases, the truth always comes out. Not only is this embarrassing to the liar, but ,creates feelings of distrust with loved ones and close friends. A person truly puts themself in a very bad place when others can’t believe they are speaking the truth.
Abraham and Saran had made an agreement to lie about their relationship at the beginning of their journey (Gen. 12). Maybe we give them a pass on the first one as they were young in their faith, but 30 years had passed since then and now before the king, Abraham decides to compromise and do something he was wrong.
We may wonder, what was wrong with Abraham and why would he do such a horrible thing? Abraham’s problem was the same problem you and I have when we don’t fully repent of our sins – especially the sin we are most vulnerable to. It isn’t enough to be sorry for sin; we must confess it and repent. Repentance is forsaking it – asking God to help you never to do it again. Proverbs says, “He who conceals his sins will not prosper but whoever confesses will find mercy” (28:13).
It was mentioned earlier this week that this pagan king (Abimelech) illustrated greater integrity than Abraham, but God’s servant comes clean when confronted by the king. Abimelech returned Sarah to her husband and showed no hard feelings. He actually honored the prophet and showered Abraham with gifts (Gen. 20:14). Then said the king, “My land is before you, live wherever you wish.”
Abraham was “justified” in the eyes of the king. He was cleared of his wrong doing, meaning forgiveness had taken place. The gifts given by the king was evidence to everyone that a wrong had been righted. When a person truly repents of their sins, God goes to work restoring broken relationships, healing broken hearts, and creating a new way of life. When a person makes his wrongs – right – the blessings (gifts) of God begin to come.
Pastor Carnes
