God’s plan unfolds despite human deceit. God had given Abraham the promise of many descendants. Sarah was to be the mother of these descendants, who would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. However, when Abraham claimed Sarah as his sister rather than his wife, Abimelech took her into his harem. This put the covenantal promises at risk.
God Moved in Grace
God restrained this evil by sending Abimelech a dream to reveal the truth of the situation. He had not allowed the king to touch Sarah until the warning. God knew Abimelech was innocent in the situation and allowed him to make a more informed decision. At the same time, God was protecting Sarah and her future offspring.
God’s warning to Abimelech also gave direction with a warning. Genesis 20: 6 In the dream God responded, “Yes, I know you are innocent. That’s why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her. 7 Now return the woman to her husband, and he will pray for you, for he is a prophet. Then you will live. But if you don’t return her to him, you can be sure that you and all your people will die.” [1]
God’s grace allowed Abimelech to return Sarah to Abraham without punishment. And in a surprising move, God used the king to chastise Abraham. This had to be very humbling for Abraham.
God Gives Supply for His Plan
God’s grace even moved the heart of Abimelech to return Sarah with gifts. Genesis 20: 14 Then Abimelech took some of his sheep and goats, cattle, and male and female servants, and he presented them to Abraham. He also returned his wife, Sarah, to him. 15 Then Abimelech said, “Look over my land and choose any place where you would like to live.” 16 And he said to Sarah, “Look, I am giving your ‘brother’ 1,000 pieces of silver in the presence of all these witnesses. This is to compensate you for any wrong I may have done to you. This will settle any claim against me, and your reputation is cleared.” [2]
Grace for Moral Lapses
Scripture does not vindicate Abraham for his actions. There is no defense offered. We can see that God’s intervention doesn’t mean He approved of Abraham’s actions. No, God broke in to fulfill His covenantal promises despite Abraham’s poor judgment. This gives us insight into God’s character and His love for us. We, like Abraham, fail at times. We doubt God’s faithfulness and think we must rely on ourselves.
Fortunately, God had a solution to the problem of sin. Romans 5: 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. [3]
God’s plan unfolds despite human deceit. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-fear-leads-to-deceit
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.