Think of who Abraham was. He was a man specially called by God. God made an unconditional and everlasting covenant with him and his descendants. He was called God's friend (James 2:23). Abraham was wealthy. Everywhere he went, he build an altar to worship the LORD. He worshiped God by giving Him ten percent of all he had. Abraham interceded before the LORD and God answered his prayers. God referred to him as a prophet (20:7).
In addition, Abraham was human and struggled with sin. Twice, Genesis recounts the same scenario in his life. He allowed fear to rule in his decisions, instead of trusting God. This fear led him to lie about his marriage. He placed his wife in great physical and moral jeopardy. Sin leads us to make one bad decision after another.
When Abraham would not listen to God, Abimelech heard God loud and clear. This king's character proved superior to Abraham's in this instance. The LORD's response was, "Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning." (v.6) God protected the king. He also protected Sarah when her husband would not.
Abraham confessed his fear of Abimelech, instead of God. "I did it because I thought, 'There is no fear of God at all in this place.'" (v.11). The environment may not have been godly, but the LORD is omnipresent. Abraham let the people around him to determine his behavior. Once a person forgets or jettisons the awareness of God's presence and power they will immediately make foolish and sinful choices. Doing so violates the first principle in make good decisions. Proverbs 9:10-"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Despite this repeated public sin, God still used Abraham. "He will pray for you, and you shall live." (v.7b). "Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech..." (v.17) God had neither changed His plans nor His mind concerning His relationship with Abraham. There is hope for all us.
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