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Day 23 – Deception Genesis 20:1 Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar. 2 Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3 But God (Elohiym) came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” 4 Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, “Lord (Adonay), will You slay a righteous nation also? 5 Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister’? She, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this.” 6 God (Elohiym) said to him in a dream, “Yes, I know you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore, I did not let you touch her. 7 Now, therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you will live. If you do not restore her, know that you will surely die, you and all who are yours.” 8 Abimelech rose early in the morning, called his servants, and told these things in their hearing; and the men were very much afraid. 9 Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I offended you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.” 10 Then Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you have in view, that you did this thing?” 11 Abraham said, “Because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will kill me on account of my wife. 12 Indeed she truly is my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. 13 It happened, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is your kindness that you should do for me: in every place, wherever we go, say of me, ‘He is my brother.’” 14 Then Abimelech took sheep, oxen, male, and female servants, and gave them to Abraham; and he restored Sarah his wife to him. 15 Abimelech said, “See, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.” 16 Then to Sarah he said, “Behold, I gave your brother a thousand pieces of silver; indeed, this vindicates you before all who are with you and before everybody.” Thus, she was rebuked. 17 So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children; 18 for the LORD (Jehovah) had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. God’s name: Elohiym – Mighty God Adonay – Proper name for God Jehovah – Self-existent, Eternal God’s character: Mercy Healer Provider People will do and say whatever it takes to keep themselves safe. Whatever is in their best interest, they will do. When confronted, they will make excuses for their behavior. Abraham left the plains of Mamre, near Hebron, and journeyed southeast to Gerar, located east of Gaza. When he arrived, he planned a deception with Abimelech, king of Gerar by saying Sarah was his sister, so no harm would come to him. Elohiym came to Abimelech in a dream and told him about Abraham’s deception and said if he did not give him back his wife, he would be a dead man. Abimelech pleaded with Adonay and told Him what Abraham said concerning Sarah. Elohiym told him He knew his heart and kept him from taking Sarah. When Abimelech woke early in the morning, he told his servants what Adonay told him concerning Abraham and Sarah. Then the fear of them came to his servants. Abimelech confronted Abraham and gave him back his wife. Abraham excused his deception by believing Elohiym wasn’t in that place. Abimelech then gave Abraham money, livestock, and servants, and told Sarah what he did for her brother. Then he told Abraham he could live wherever it pleased him. Not all deceptions turn out as they did for Abraham. Depending on the deception, a person could find themselves facing jail or prison sentences, not given wealth for what they did. If you call yourself a Christian, Adonay expects integrity from you. Deception shouldn’t be part of your lifestyle. When you trust Adonay to take care of you in every situation, you won’t deceive anyone or make excuses for your behavior. Deception comes from Satan. He will tell you what kind of people you encounter and how to save your skin. When you allow yourself to listen to his lies and deceptions, you aren’t trusting Adonay to keep you safe. Satan’s modus operandi is to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus came to give abundant life. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Don’t listen to Satan’s lies and deceptions. Trust Elohiym. He will keep you safe in every situation. Let’s pray: Father, give me discernment with Satan’s deceptions. Help me trust You and turn to You in everything I do. Give me Your words, not excuses for my actions. Let everything, I say and do show the integrity of my heart in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 10 February 2024 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.