Today’s Reading: Genesis 21:22-26; Psalm 32; Matthew 18:15-20
At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do. Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness I have shown to you.”
Abraham said, “I swear it.” — Genesis 21:22-24
Over the years, I have consistently jumped over this next passage of scripture but I think there is significance to be found in these verses. To start with some context, let’s look back at Genesis 20 to remind ourselves that King Abimelek initially opened his arms wide to accept Abraham and his family to the region of Gerar. But the king’s experience of Abraham was anything but positive, because Abraham was less than honest about who Sarah was.
OUR BEHAVIOR IMPACTS OUR REPUTATION WHICH INFLUENCES OUR WITNESS.
Because of Abraham’s deception, a curse of infertility was placed on the king and his household. In response to the curse, King Abimelek appealed to God based on his ignorance and the innocent intentions of his actions. The king heard from God, experiencing both mercy and clear guidance.
Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her. Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all who belong to you will die.” — Genesis 20:6-7
The king returned Sarah to Abraham, along with a generous gift and the offer to live wherever he wanted in the land of Gerar. Fast forward to Genesis 21 and we find the same king approaching Abraham with the offer of a treaty. He had seen the evidence of God’s favor on Abraham — that God had been with Abraham in everything he did. He recognized God’s generosity and remembered His power. Then he asked Abraham not to deal falsely with him or his descendants.
Because of his previous deception, King Abimelek was having a hard time trusting Abraham. Abimelek’s experience of the prophet of God was that he could not be trusted, thus the need for a covenant agreement.
WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF ME? HAVE I BEEN FOUND TO BE TRUSTWORTHY? DOES MY BEHAVIOR REFLECT THE INTEGRITY OF GOD?
What reason do I give other people not to trust me? How do those around me experience my character, and how does that reflect the character of God? Am I known for leaving information out or being less than honest with others? If so, how does their experience of me affect their experience of God?
Immediately, Abraham brought up an issue regarding a well he and his servants had dug. He complained that Abimelek’s servants had seized the well. The king’s response — Why am I just now hearing about this? How can I correct a situation if you have not taken the time to draw it to my attention until now?
Again I feel the nudge of the Spirit regarding others’ experience of the way I have handled conflict. How often have I allowed myself to get upset before even going to the other person to discuss a problem or issue? How often have I complained to others before giving them the opportunity to make things right or to clear up a misunderstanding on my part?
AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR TESTIMONY OF GOD’S TRANSFORMING POWER IS EVIDENCED IN HOW WE HANDLE CONFLICT, AND IN HOW QUICKLY WE ASK FOR FORGIVENESS.
Father God, forgive me for the moments when I am less than honest or transparent with others. Mold me into the authentic child of God you are calling me to be. Remind me of the appropriate steps to take when I have a concern with someone else (Matthew 18:15-20). May your character be reflected in my actions, and may others experience you in a positive way because of their experience of me. Amen.
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave the guilt of my sin. — Psalm 32:1-5