A LYING PROPHET

From there Abraham journeyed towards the region of the Negeb, and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While residing in Gerar as an alien Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister” And King Abimelech of Gerar sent and took Sarah. Genesis 20: 1-2

Someone once said “I am sorry that Abraham lied, but I am glad that it was recorded down because it gives me hope!” The Bible never presents men of God as flawless characters above the many evils that plague the rest of humanity. Instead they are just presented as they are really were. We have all heard about it – politicians lying to the people with their election promises. And I have seen it in a Courtroom too- witnesses lying after taking the oath. It’s all part and parcel of humanity. And rest assured, you will never come across a person who had never lied before. And if you ever meet such a saint, ask him or her to autograph your Bible immediately.

And here Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his wife’s dignity and honour to save his own skin. But I am glad that God intervened on his behalf and saved Sarah from a dreadful situation.

Maybe you too have lied to people and others have told you horrible lies for whatever reason. I have learnt the hard way that it is better to be upfront with people then to make a vague commitment and later to give hundred reasons as to why we can’t keep our commitments. The last time I was lied to so professionally were two men I knew- because of their religious appearance I was really taken in. Turned out that they were skillful liars. But in life we only learn by hindsight, after making all the mistakes.

This was Abimelech’s first encounter with a worshipper of God and it was not very pleasant. In fact, Abimelech sent Abraham and Sarah packing off the very next day. We were always taught that it was Abraham’s grandson Jacob who was a skillful deceiver. The truth is, he probably inherited it from his grandfather Abraham. Later Isaac would be lying about his wife in just about the same way.

And today lying is not limited to save ones skin. Like the person who always has the tendency to exaggerate his business or academic achievements. Or the preacher whose life is just so full of one wonderful supernatural encounter after another.

Personally, the reason why people are prone to exaggerate is because if there is one thing we cannot stand, it is to be outclassed by other people. But for Abraham it was a very real lesson when Abimelech was told the truth about his latest addition to his harem. All Abraham’s worship and faith could not have convinced Abimelech of Abraham’s integrity. It would have been so much better if he had just told the truth upfront. It certainly would have avoided the humiliation when he was told off by a furious pagan king.
Posted by vijay at 12:29 AM