“Here We Go Again!” and “The Blessing Received” (Genesis 20:1 – 21:7)

Just a few chapters before this, Abraham had pulled the same stunt with his wife in the presence of Pharoah. He told Pharoah’s team of leaders that Sarai was his sister and thereby avoided any danger from Pharoah if he wanted Sarai.  Now, here he is in the presence of Abimelech, and Abraham pulls the same trick on Abimelech.  Perhaps it is normal to expect repeat behavior from many people.  However, in this case, the fear that seemingly motivated Abraham flew in the face of the relationship that existed between God and Abraham.  A man with as many interactions with God should have the faith to believe that God could take him through an interaction without deceit.

Abraham was coming off one of the most affirming meetings with God recorded in the Bible.  God spoke directly to him and told him that his aged wife would have a son in a year or so.  The first part of chapter 21 tells of the fulfillment of the prophecy, as Sarah conceived a child and gave birth at the time of which God spoke.

Why would a man with a directly-spoken prophecy doubt his safety so that he would–for a second time–not trust God for his own safety?  Why would he risk the possibility that his wife could be required to be in the intimate company of another man?  This is a puzzling question.  The bottom line is this:  even a man with the voice of God still ringing in his ear can fear uncertainty.  We all can!  They key to survival is not never having doubts.  They key is to pursue the promise instead of being paralyzed by the immediate circumstances!