June 27
Scripture Reading: Genesis 20:1-18
“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” (Proverbs 29:25) You would think God’s friend would have learned his lesson the last time he tried this trick, but that’s not usually the way it works. It didn’t for Abraham, and it seldom does for us. His fear of man caused Abraham to tell a half truth, involve his wife (who probably didn’t appreciate the implications of this whole ordeal), and nearly got some folks in real trouble. You may be like me; when I read this I think, “I can’t believe he did that. I would never do something so bazaar.” Be careful! That sounds a lot like Peter’s, “Though I should die with thee, Yet will I not deny me. Likewise also said all the disciples.” (Matthew 26:35)
Fearing what someone might think or do can make us do some really strange things, like be less than honest, or in a round about way deny the Lord. Silence can be close akin to denial, especially when you consider that our most important duty outside of worshipping our Lord is telling others about Him.
The charade must have lasted for quite a while, at least long enough for the house of Ahimelech to realize that they had become incapable of having children, “the Lord had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Ahimelech.” Do you think Abraham was worried about his wife during that interval? Would you imagine that Sarah thought that he had probably forgotten her? Honestly, what kind of testimony was this action to the lost? The walk of faith will take us at times to places where we would rather not be. But, when it does, continue to walk in faith. It is really the only way to please God, and keep your feet out of fear’s snare.
Pastor Steve Smith
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