ABRAHAM- A POLYGAMIST?

Abraham took a wife and her name was Keturah. She bore him Zimram, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbah and Shuah. Genesis 25)

And Abraham gave everything he had to Isaac but to the sons of the concubines he gave gifts.”

Here we see have one of the greatest difficulties in the life of a great spiritual giant, Father Abraham- that he was actually a polygamist. And because of this Abraham has been severely criticized by many Bible commentators. My personal opinion is this- the Bible does not critisize or commend this aspect of Abraham’s private life. And if God does not make a comment, its would be unwise on our part to be making any kind of comments.

The Bible is a very honest book. It just paints the people as they really are – not as we would like to see them. This is one evidence that the Bible is the Word of God because of its utter honesty in revealing human nature. Every other religious book rarely mention the weaknesses of its holy people. The Bible is the only book that reveals both the strengths and the weakness of its characters. Noah was righteous and preached for many years but the last thing we are told about Noah is that he got so drunk that his pyjamas came off- “… and Noah lay uncovered in his tent”

Have you ever wondered if God were to be writing your life story, what kind of details would be included? Would you like those details to be included? The things that you did that no else found out? Humanly speaking we only want the best things to be said about us and our names shining in gold. But not so with the Holy Spirit, also known as the Spirit of Truth, the facts are recorded as they really took place.

Another example is the funeral service where the deceased is commended for all his noble qualities and Christlike qualities. I remember a funeral I attended where there was a large gathering- and speaker after speaker commended the dead persons achievements and noble and illustrious character. I just hope that the things that were said corresponds to the details in God’s book- because I think there are going to be many surprises on the other side. Its more prudent to keep the commendations plain and simple.

f you feel tempted to criticize others for their moral shortcomings, I am afraid that pretty soon you too would be brought into a situation where your own limitations are exposed. I have seen this happen again and again- among Christians and preachers. I am particularly reminded of a brother who always extolled the virtues and fulfillment of his married life- until one day he went through the divorce himself. He is more circumspect these days when commenting on the shortcoming’s of other believers.

In the Scriptures we are told to fix our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Fixing our gaze at anything or anyone else will give us enough reason to stop fellow shipping at any church!!!

Paul in writing to the Corinthian church which was known for its criticism of even Paul had this to say,

“But we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong- not that we may appear to have passed the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.” 2 Corinthians 13: 7-8.

That’s it- some sound advice for the believer who is critical of other believers. They have failed the test the moral and spiritual test in your eyes? Another scandal has broken out hat is much whispered about? So what? They did not die for your sins. So pray for them and continue on with the journey God has ordained for you. That the Christian attitude.