As A Heathen King--Gen. 20

 

"Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done…. And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave [them] unto Abraham" (Gen. 20:9, 14).

It hadn't been so terribly long since the scuffle in Egypt over the beautiful wife of this traveling nomad. On the other hand, years had passed; and Sarah hadn't gotten any younger. However, she must've still been a beautiful creature.

Into the city of Gerar, Abraham bidding Sarah say she was his sister again. Had he forgotten the trouble in Egypt because of it?

True enough to fate and former happenings, Abimelech, the king, sent for Sarah. After all, had she not said that this man some years her elder was her brother?

But then comes the Lord in a dream and warns Abimelech of his near-sin. Abimelech pleads that he knew not of the real situation, and the Lord concedes that He knew this; "therefore suffered I thee not to touch her" (vs. 6).

The king calls Abraham and indignantly asks what his kingdom has done to offend the man of God, that he should have brought upon his head such a great sin. Abraham answers truthfully and humbly, offering his apology.

And Abimelech forgives. Not only that, but he enriches Abraham with the substance of his own house. Forgiveness without reserve.

Even though Abraham had done things that ought not to be done.

So many are like Abraham. Making mistakes that directly affect another.

And so many often feel like Abimelech. Wronged. Cheated. Betrayed.

However, not all will answer in humbleness and contrition as Abraham did. Not all ask for forgiveness.

But all may give it as Abimelech did.

He was a heathen king. And yet he knew how to forgive--to give--better than many Christians.

Oh Lord, teach me how to forgive as Abimelech...