RACAD Genesis 20 Highlights
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths; Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil”
One important lesson to glean from Abraham’s sojourn southwards to Gerar is the attendant failure that results when we fail to wholeheartedly rely on God but largely being confident of ourselves. A popular saying says once beaten, twice shy. But for many of us, we have been severally beaten. Abraham in this chapter presents a good example of the consequence of resorting to self-help. Who would have thought that Abraham will stumble again in the very way he did while he sojourned in Egypt and lied that Sarah was his sister in Gen 12.
Surely Abraham comes highly rated as far as being righteous is concerned, haven encountered God many times and physically entertained God on one occasion, one would think Abraham would by now be perfect in his walk with God.
This same Abraham who God confided in when he was going to destroy Sodom and as a result became the first intercessor in the Bible. Yet, Abraham didn’t trust God to keep him in this journey.
He took his destiny in his hands and handled things the best way he thought he could. But see how wrong he was! His plan failed. Isnt the same true in our lives a number of times we have chosen to follow those ways that seemed right?
Thank God showed for restraining Abimelech from sleeping with Sarah who was a willing party again to Abraham’s lie (the action of Sarah on this occasion, just like that first time, is probably why she remains a perfect example of submission in marriage as highlighted in 1 Peter 3:5-6.
I am not sure how many women will submit to such an extent that another man will take you from your husband and you will be a willing party to adultery, save for the mercy of God).
In all of these, we see the faithfulness of God in watching over every word that proceeds from His mouth.
Satan’s strategy to derail God’s eternal plan for salvation through the seed of Abraham was thwarted. God did not allow Abraham’s weakness to jettison His plans.
As we rely on the help of the Holy Spirit daily, we can assured of making less mistakes as we overcome any tendency to slide back to some old habits which draw us further away from seeing the fulfilment of God’s promises.
He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us, so that we can boldly say “the Lord is my helper”
