Worthy In God’s Sight
BRD REFLECTIONS
Genesis 20-21 ; Psalm 16 (NIV)
(Ng Chai Seng, Secretary, LCEC)
READ:
Genesis 20-21 ; Psalm 16 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
These passages from today’s readings in Genesis caught my attention.
1. Abraham’s Fear (Genesis 20):
“And there Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” Then Abimelek king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her.” (v2)
Abimelek responded, “Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister,’ and didn’t she also say, ‘He is my brother’? I have done this with a clear conscience and clean hands.” (v5)
When questioned by Abimelek, Abraham replied, “I said to myself, ‘There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’” (v11)
Abraham was gripped by the fear of the unknown. His action resulted in Abimelech’s misstep, who then suffered God’s punishment and subsequent restoration. (v17)
2. God’s Promise (Genesis 21):
We read about the call of Abram when the LORD said to him, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” (Gen 12:1-2)
When Abraham was ninety-nine years old, the LORD said to him, “I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Gen 18:14)
And Sarah added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” (Genesis 21:7)
Despite Abraham seeing impossibilities, God kept His Word and delivered His promises. Sarah’s laughter was replaced with amazement when she conceived Isaac.
APPLY:
There are two takeaway lessons.
1. Seek God’s wisdom: Circumstances can get the better of me, and my decisions can be skewed towards rationalisations. The fear of the unknown can lead me to take the “safest” path. Seeking wisdom is an ongoing process even in old age, just like Abraham. None are wiser than God (Proverbs 16:9). Though considered a senior, I must confess that I still need wisdom. Current experiences may appear similar to past life experiences but they may yield different outcomes.
2. God is Trustworthy: He will deliver His promises, as He did with Abraham in his old age. God is faithful. He is all-sufficient. I can count on the character of God to see me through all circumstances.
In his New Year’s Day sermon, Rev Raymond Fong emphasised three qualities of the church’s spiritual family: intergenerational, inclusive, and inviting. We can be grateful that the church’s spiritual family is inclusive and everyone can be a part of the intergenerational community of God’s people. Each of us needs to intentionally take the next step to participate in the life of the church.
Today’s reflection is an assurance that I am worthy in the sight of God, who will work to fulfil His promises in me.
DO:
- I will seek God in my circumstances and experience His transforming love by His Word and through the wise counsel and fellowship of His people.
- I will seek to know more about God and His Word, and learn to claim His promises.
PRAY:
“Dear God, I praise you for Your love that endures forever. I thank You for the reminder to seek Your wisdom. Thank You for keeping Your promises despite moments when I doubt. Great is Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
