Central Truth

Throughout the Bible, there is story after story where God steps in and protects, defends and changes the direction of the storyline to fit His plans. Why would it be any different today?

---

Reflections

Remember the legend of a young George Washington who professed that he "could not tell a lie"? Why do people lie? What goes through their head when they lie, and why do they deliberately stray from the truth? In the case of an elderly Abraham, why would he feel the need to lie repeatedly, knowing that God had blessed him and promised to make his name great?

Being 2 1/2 years older than my brother, I was able to get away with bad behavior because I chose to lay the blame on him. The mind of a 4-year- old does not process things logically or rationally, but emotionally. Emotions based on feelings such as fear of a spanking caused me to lie instead of facing the painful consequences of admitting the truth. He would receive the punishment - which he did not deserve - instead of me.

As a teenager, lies began to take on an intellectual aspect. I would be sorry that I got caught, but not repentant for the wrong I had done. I would allow people to draw the wrong conclusion or impression by withholding evidence. These feelings led me to follow the path of least resistance because I'd always done it that way before. It did not matter if someone else got hurt in the process.

Abraham here is like a child who is caught dead to rights. He knew that he had gained favor in God's eyes, but he and Sarah lied to Abimelek out of irrational or unfounded fear. Abraham willfully lied because he had done it before. This is a story of repeated sin. We see in the life of Abraham that foolish acts can have great impact in the lives of others. God demonstrates His righteousness and uses Abimelek to rebuke Abraham. God intervened to preserve His purpose in Abraham and Sarah's lives.

As Christians, we must have faith in God to help us trust the plans that He has for our lives and to give us patience in waiting for His perfect timing. His will and His time, not ours.

---

Discussion Questions

1. Can you see when and where God has intervened in your life?

2. Are you willing to accept the painful consequences of facing up to the truth? Is there any circumstance where you would choose to lie to avoid an uncomfortable or embarrassing situation? How does that make you feel knowing that you have caused someone else pain?

3. Do you trust God's plan for you in the kingdom?

---