Abraham lied at least twice to political authorities about his relationship with his wife Sarah, saying they were only brother and sister (only a "half-lie"). Isaac lied at least once to political authorities about his relationship with Rebekah, saying they were only brother and sister. Jacob shimmied Esau's birthright (extra portion of inheritance) out of him for a bowl of stew when he knew Esau was hungry enough to do something stupid. Jacob lied at least three times to his father Isaac when he was pretending to be Esau as he stole Esau's blessing (another privilege of the firstborn).
To think that these patriarchs of our faith were perfect is absurd! They pulled dumb stunts just like we do. Here's the amazing thing: the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is not some mean and wrathful giant up in the sky looking for a chance to crack somebody over the head with a lightning bolt, He is a forgiving God of mercy and grace. In spite of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob's failures, God is still faithful to His promise. God is sovereign over all creation, and He uses depraved humans to accomplish His good will.
Here's another truth: GOD NEVER LIES! Satan is the father of lies. When we tell the truth, we behave like God. When we deceive, we behave like Satan, the enemy of our souls. Under NO circumstances is it acceptable to lie! Just imagine how much better the stories would have been if Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had not lied in all of those situations - God would have done some amazing stuff! Satan's disease is spread through the filth of our disobedience, but God's holiness is magnified in the lens of our obedience.
Lifestyle Application - No pretenses; only straight-up honesty.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. I praise you for working your good will in spite of all of the mess I make. Lord, please make me an honest man of integrity. Lord, I pray that your goodness and mercy would be evident by the joy in my life, and I pray that people will sense your holiness by the way I live my life. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, the embodiment of universal and absolute Truth itself. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment