Chapter 10-Two Steps Forward, One Step Back (Genesis 20)

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

(2 Corinthians 3:18)

In our text this week, we see Abraham once again lying to protect himself from danger. To be sure, the danger was certainly real, for it was not uncommon for those in a position of power to take from others in a weaker position. However, had not Abraham just served a meal to the Creator of the Universe? And hadn't God just shared with Abraham his plans for Sodom? How could Abraham have acted in this manner after all that God had said and done?

I have posed the same question to myself more times than I wish to recall. Do we, despite God's faithfulness and goodness to us, falter and fail at times?

Keep in mind, in Romans 4:19-21 Paul states that Abraham did not "weaken in faith" and that "[n]o distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God." How do we reconcile this with what we read in Genesis 20? It is important to remember that while Abraham was chosen by God, and was considered righteous, he was not perfect. However, the attitude of his heart was not that spoken of in James 1:6-8, the "double-minded man" who is "unstable in all his ways." While Abraham had his moments of weakness as a sinful human, he "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." By God's grace, the trajectory of his heart followed the path of the promise that ultimately led to the cross.

What we see here should be both sobering and comforting. Despite God's promises to us in his word, we sin. But because of God's faithfulness and our union with Christ, we can be assured that not only is God working in and through our failures for our good and his glory, but he is also working in us by the Holy Spirit to accomplish our transformation into the likeness of his Son.

Concerning our progressive sanctification and ultimate glorification, know this: "He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:24)