This is part of a video series covering the entire Bible in 4 years, one chapter at a time. Start at the beginning with Genesis 1 (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wC2qD4RGOdo) and work through the playlist. Or go to https://www.peace.org.au/bible.html for more information.
In this video listen to Genesis 20 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
Genesis 20 tells the story of Abraham’s visit to Gerar and how Abimelech took Sarah to be his own wife, without realising she was Abraham’s wife. A curse comes on Abimelech’s house as a result of his ignorant sin, and God warns him in a dream.
In this story we see Abraham repeating behaviour that he previously demonstrated in Genesis 12. (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/I026wntk-bA) As humans we often repeat behaviour that we should stop, and the temptation here is to firstly think this story is fabricated because it sounds like the earlier story, but instead it is a mark of authenticity. Secondly its a reminder to consider our own repeated mistakes.
But next we see that we sometimes have life’s circumstances turn against us without knowing why also, and we need to find a way through in prayer. Often we too have sinned unknowingly (oro maybe knowingly) and we need to find repentance and rectification as did Abimelech. Other times like later with the biblical character Job, the curse is more mysterious. But in the same way, we must seek the face of God and find a way through the situation, but in doing so, also find a way into greater maturity as believers.
Jan 21, 2021 | Message by David Alley