I don’t get God sometimes.
Abram was with his wife and had to leave the and they were in because of a great famine. They rocked up in Egypt and Abram was very concerned for his own safety. To cover himself and avoid the threat of death due to the physical beauty of his wife, he told her to just say that she’s his sister. Abram’s reasoning made sense to him. The ruse was uncovered in one of the most awkward kind of ways. Pharaoh thinking that Sarai was available, looked to take her and as a result the land experienced plagues. Understandably, Pharaoh was not impressed by the subterfuge and duly got Abram and his family to leave Egypt.
It’s not a great episode in the life of Abram. There is no excusing this. It’s a grim set of self-preservation. It does not say much for his love for Sarai that he should put her in such an awkward situation. It does not say much for his trust in God that he fears for his safety and takes matters into his own hands.
It is not for us to condemn Abram, though. We are aware of our own failings. We take note as well of God’s mercy. So you’d hope that Abram would have learnt …
Years later and now we have a more experienced man. He has had a number of encounters with god that has reinforced the covenant. He has grown in his trust in God. He has interceded on behalf of a people looking to the mercies of God. God has spoken highly about him. This is looking really good for this father of nations who is no longer Abram, but now Abraham.
Yet now in Gerar, Abraham has some anxieties … some familiar anxieties … anxieties about his wife. Surely we will see some growth in Abraham. Surely he will learn from the last time. Surely …
Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. (Genesis 20:2)
Well he’s messed up again hasn’t he. Clearly this guy hasn’t learned and then look at the trouble he almost gets Abimelech in. Surely God is going to sort him out … but … consider God’s encounter with the king in a vision to prevent him from making a big mistake
Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her. Now then, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours. (Genesis 20:6-7)
Let’s get this straight. God is not condoning the actions of Abraham. God is not even letting him off the hook. What God does is for the benefit of Abimelech. God is honouring His covenant with Abraham. God still has a plan to fulfil through him and so to ensure it happens, it’s for Abimelech to do the right thing and not mess up the marriage between Abraham and Sarah.
That’s to say, God is doing what H’s doing for His own character and purpose. The mercy extended to Abraham and even the blessing that Abraham subsequently calls for the people is to restore what could have been messed up. This is again for God’s glory. God’s intervention is for His glory.
The flaws of man does not detract from the faithfulness of God. The mercies of God does not overlook the failings of man – it addresses them in a way that points the attention back to God.
((Photo by Arto Marttinen on Unsplash))
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 