G od’s Word records three instances when Abraham sinned by displaying a lack of faith in God. Sarah was attractive even in her old age and Abraham feared he would be killed if Pharaoh and Abimelech knew that Sarah was his wife. So, Abraham asked Sarah to lie about her relationship with him to Pharaoh [Genesis 12] and Abimelech [Genesis 20]. Both of them rebuked Abraham for his lies when God revealed the truth to them. How shameful it must have been when Abraham’s deceit was exposed by pagans and his failure to put his trust in God was laid bare. Abraham accepted Sarah’s suggestion to take Hagar to wife presuming he could assist God in giving him an heir [Genesis 16]. The resultant birth of Ishmael meant Abraham would be the Father of the Arab race, but God told Abraham His covenant would be established with Isaac, not Ishmael [Genesis 17:19]. Consequently, Abraham and Sarah’s actions led to much grief in the family and to Israel, even to this day. Despite not trusting God to protect him and provide an heir in due time, God was merciful to forgive Abraham and save him from his shortcomings. Thank God for His mercy and grace towards us too. He has not reckoned our sins against us but placed them upon His Son who died in our place. God also imputed Christ’s righteousness upon us so we may be justified and reconciled to Him. Hence, we are delivered from God’s wrath unto eternal life in heaven.
LESSON
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found.
THOUGHT
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. – Psalm 32:1-2
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