Faith or Fear?

Genesis 20

This passage is about faith and fear, negative or positive. 

Firstly, we see Abraham's unexpected negative fear and lack of faith in God.

In this incident, that reminds us of a similar event in Genesis 12:10-20, where we see Abraham's fear and lack of obedience or trust in God. After that first incident in which God revealed Himself to be a faithful "shield" to Abraham (Cf. also Genesis 15:1), surely Abraham would have learned to trust in the protection of God, but no, Abraham repeats his plan for self preservation through the use of a half truth about Sarah being his sister (v2, 12-13).

In these days of increasing insecurity, what may be our own 'default' response? A self preservation tactic or a resolute trust in God's protection?

Secondly, we see Abimelech's unexpected positive fear of God.

One reason for Abraham's fear and reliance on his lie about Sarah is his assumption that there was "no fear of God in this place" (v11, 2). By this is meant no reverence for God or respect for His standards. But to Abraham's surprise, Abimelech has more positive "fear" of God and respect for God's standards than he expected (v8-9). We also see Abimelech's active righting (or preventing) of the wrong that Abraham nearly caused (v14-16).

Let's not assume that we know how things will always work out or that God won't protect us or how people will respond to God.

Thirdly, we see God's undeserved faithfulness, protection, mercy and restoration, which should lead all to positively fear Him and have faith in Him.

 Though Abraham is fearful and self reliant, God remains faithful and keeps on supernaturally protecting his chosen servants (v3-7). God also mercifully continues to use Abraham as His praying "prophet" and mediator of His blessings, despite Abraham's failures (v7, 17).

So, what about us? Are we walking in negative fear and attempted self preservation at all costs, even if it involves bending the truth? Or are we living by faith in the God of Abraham who faithfully protects and continues to show mercy?