While preparing a Bible Study on Genesis 20, Abraham's rationale behind his introduction of his wife (Sarah) to Abimelech, king of Gerar, as "my sister" (20:2) did not intrigue me as much as God's character revealed through the narrative.
For Abraham, it wasn't the first time he had been afraid and had lied about Sarah (c.f. Gen. 12:10-20). Yes, he had grown much in his faith in God ever since the previous lying incident; he had received God's promises; he had had his high points in life - in fact, he would soon witness the unprecedented miracle of Isaac. Nevertheless, Abraham was just being very human, even for a man of faith - prone to unfounded fears, occasional backsliding and giving excuses for the wrongs committed (c.f. 20:11-13). (No, I am not saying that it is OK to do what he did.) I must admit that I have often been in his shoes, and like him, succumbed to my weakness for worldly acceptance and self-preservation. I still do, sometimes. And so, what Abraham did doesn't really surprise me.
What blows me away is this.... Isaac, the promised son, was yet conceived! The record of it (Gen. 21) follows that of Abraham's folly in Genesis 20.
Clearly, despite Genesis 20, Isaac was not withheld. Or delayed. The Bible says that "...the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as He had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him." (Gen. 21:1-2, ESV, emphasis mine)
Isaac was never meant to be a reward for Abraham's good-ness.
Abraham could boast in nothing, save that he understood and knew the LORD who "...practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth..." (Jer. 9:24)
Indeed, the narrative in Genesis 20 points us to something greater - a gracious and faithful God. A God, who had kept Abimelech from sinning out of ignorance (c.f. 20:6). A God, who based not His promise and gift upon Abraham's faithfulness - but His unshakeable own. A God who would reassure a single mom (Hagar) and be a father to the fatherless Ishmael (c.f. Gen. 21:17-20).
Furthermore, Genesis 20 brings me in touch with the eternity in my heart.
You know... the eternity that God has put into every human person's heart (per Ecclesiastes 3:11)? The awareness that God does have a divine agenda and yet we can never fully unravel His mysteries with the limitations of our human minds... The veil that humbles and yet, puts us at rest knowing that whatever God's plans are - past, present and future - we need not fear while we trust in Him. While I dwell in the narrative, I am reminded that God hides and reveals things, in His time and according to His great wisdom.
For example, Abimelech did not know that Sarah was Abraham's wife (and not sister) until God revealed it to him in a dream (20:6). Why not before he took Sarah in as his concubine?
Subsequently, God revealed to Abimelech that Abraham was merely a prophet - one familiar with God, who could pray for him and his household so that they would be healed (20:7, 17). Why not reveal to Abimelech that Abraham was His chosen one?
Food for thought.
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