Day 15- Genesis 20

Abraham moves again, and lives in a place called Gerar.

Now, remember chapter 12? Abraham is in Eqypt and lies about Sarah because he is worried for his life.

Fast forward, and here we are again.  It would seem that Abraham has forgotten that God provided for him in chapter 12.

Abimelech, the king of Gerar sends for Sarah because Abraham tells people that she is his sister. (vs 2) It is interesting to know that Abraham and Sarah did not lie.  They truly are brother and sister, sharing a father but not a mother.  However, they were definitely intentionally deceitful.

It's cool to read about how God was protecting Sarah and to watch his just nature in this chapter.  "I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me.  That is why I did not let you touch her.  Now return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live.  But if you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all yours will die."

This is interesting to me because it seems like this is a story where God intervened.  We always say that he gives us freedom of choice, and freedom in our actions.. and yet this seems to speak of his intervention in preventing Abimelech from sinning.
Does he intervene today? Do people who have clear consciences prevented from acting in sin unwittingly? Do people have clear consciences? How did God keep Abimelech from sinning?

Abraham had to pray on Abimelech's behalf because God had closed up every womb in his household because of Sarah. Even though Abimelech was not aware that he was doing something wrong, it was still wrong.

What was going through everyone's minds?
Abraham: "If I just tell them she's my sister, they won't kill me"
Sarah: "If I tell them he's my brother, I'll be taken to the king.  He'll want me to be his wife."
Abimelech: "What a hot 70+ year old babe, I gotta have her!"

Seriously? Doesn't that just seem weird to you? Everything is so blase to them.. Somedays, I just don't understand people at all.

What a challenge to us in our daily lives to remember the lessons of our pasts, and to trust that God truly is faithful and that he is just to ALL people.. not just his own people.. but all people.

May our lives be active examples of trusting that God provides, protects and prevails.