Passage
Genesis 20:1-18 (ESV)
The Lamb Will Triumph
Revelation 17:1-18
Key Verse: 17:14
Abraham and Abimelek
Date: Mar. 7, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 20:7
First, when fear takes over (1-13). Abraham had prayed for Sodom and had witnessed its destruction. He was shaken. So he moved to Philistine territory without prayer. Sorrow and fear ruled his heart making him weak and foolish. Abimelek looked like a godless giant. Abraham's old sinful habit of telling selfish half-truths as he had told in Egypt returned (12:10-20). So Abimelek took Sarah. But God protected them and held Abimelek responsible--even though he had acted in ignorance. God warned him to return Abraham's wife and to ask Abraham to pray for him. God helped his servant in his time of weakness.
Second, Abimelek's apology (14-18). Abraham was wrong to think that God's rule did not extend to Philistine territory, for God rules the universe. It turned out that Abimelek and his people feared God and had a moral conscience. He returned Sarah, and Abraham prayed for him. Abraham needed to trust God and believe his love. He needed God's training to keep living by faith.
Prayer: Lord, help me to love and fear you and to remember that all people are made by you.
One Word: Abraham prays for Abimelek
