The Boy Who Cried Sister

Genesis 21: 22-34

A short passage without a lot of blatant meat. Abimilech and his captain Phicol meet with Abraham and say- God's always with you, please be honest with us and treat us like we've treated you. Abraham agrees.

I might be reaching here but, does Abimilech react this way to Abraham because of his history of deception with men in power regarding the nature of his relationship with Sarah? Is he saying- the word's out, Abraham, we've heard that you duped other important men, and they got in trouble with your God- and the consequences weren't good- please don't lie to us too.

It seems sad to me that God's "leader" of the day had garnered a reputation as someone who couldn't be trusted. Someone who later in the chapter was inclined to offer 7 sheep as evidence that he was being honest about owning a well. Was his word not enough?

Maybe these were both standard practices at the time- maybe the sheep weren't necessary, Abimilech doesn't seem to know what they were for. But maybe if Abraham hadn't tried to snooker other leaders, none of it would have been an issue.

They also know about God being with Abraham- not only suggesting that they may have known about the Sarah stories, but also that God's power had impressed and distressed these who only knew Him from afar.

Lessons for me:

The lies you tell today haunt you in the future- so work to develop honesty. Depend on God to get you through troubles instead of your keen talent for fiction.

God is more powerful than a potential enemy. They were impressed by what He had done. He's just as powerful today.

After the treaty, Abraham calls upon God. And maybe that's the central lesson. Whatever choices you make, right or wrong, good or dumb, include God. He can pick up the slack.