Faith and the Forgiving God

Yesterday's family reading from M'Cheyne's Bible Reading plan came from both Genesis 20 and Matthew 19. It has been so encouraging this year to experience the complimentary teachings from the Old and New Testaments--His Word is truly one big story.  

Genesis 20

In Genesis 20 there is a story of Abraham that is similar to an account from Genesis 12. In Genesis 12 as Abraham entered Egypt he introduced his wife, Sarah, as his sister because he thought he would be killed on account of her beauty and the foreign leaders desire for her. When the Pharaoh took Sarah, God punished him and he quickly reunited Sarah to Abraham and gave him many gifts to appease God's anger. Now in chapter 20, the same situation happens again but in the land of Negev with a king named Abimelech. It seems Abraham's reasoning is different this time--or at least his original excuse has changed. In Egypt Abraham introduced Sarah as his sister because she was so beautiful, in the Negev Abraham is 100 and Sarah is 90 years old. The root of Abraham's deceit is his struggle with fear of the people--same as it was in Egypt.

"Abraham said, 'Because I thought surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.'"

Yet again God saved Abraham by bringing punishment down on the house of Abimelech. 

The fact that Abraham's faith in God was credited to him as righteousness is a truth that was known in both the Old and the New Testament (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3, 9, 22; Galatians 3:6). Abraham was pleasing to God not only in the moment of his belief, but also after he had died. Abraham lived a life that consistently followed God even though he had his moments of weakness. The great take-away is that God is pleased with us even when He knows we won't always do the right thing or exhibit the consistent level of faith.  

Matthew 19

In Matthew 19 we find another story of faith--this one doesn't have the same positive ending that Abraham's story did. There was a rich young ruler who came to Jesus and asked what "good" thing he must do to obtain eternal life. Jesus's answer is interesting,

"Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." 

Jesus knew that this man did not have the same faith as Abraham--that is he did not believe he was interacting with God. Jesus's answer pointed out to those that were listening (or reading) that Jesus is God--He is the good One who is able to answer his question. Unfortunately, the man walked away in sadness, unwilling to do what God was asking of him. 

God asks us to do things in His Word. We all stumble in many ways (James 3:2). But just like Abraham--to be faithful--we are to show the faith that He makes strong in us by finishing well. How often does a person walk away in disobedience? And when they do, what does that say about their faith?   

It's never too late to get back on the right path by changing directions, asking for forgiveness, and submitting to the Will of God.