We are continuing a series on the Patriarchs.
This week we consider the Crises in Abraham’s life. This brief analysis of his highs and lows may appear to be critical but we are simply trying to identify lessons that we can learn. Often you hear bible teachers say “don’t be too harsh on ‘so-and-so” and we understand their caution. But having recognised that we are of ‘like passions’ we should go on to learn from their mistakes.
For the purposes of our study we will concentrate on the following 5 major crises:
- Famine: the first crisis comes in ch 12. There is a famine in the land, Abraham does not appear to consult with God. Instead he moves into Egypt. He lies and by so doing becomes an accessory to Pharaohs compromising situation with Sarah. The fall-out from this situation is perhaps surprising. Abraham leaves Egypt with more than he arrived with but that would include Hagar who would be a critical point of stumbling further down the road.
- Strife: the second crisis comes in ch 13. Abrahams and Lots combined property portfolio have apparently outgrown their ability to be partners though there is a possible question here of of a lack of proactive leadership to anticipate the issue. Notwithstanding, in the event, Abraham handles the matter graciously and demonstrates his heart of faith by settling in the land of the less preferable Canaan.
- Patience: the third crisis comes in ch 16 and perhaps is the lowest point in the life of Abraham. Neither Sarah or Abraham seem to be talking about God’s Will, stumbling forward in an act of impatience and rash thinking that leads to the birth of Ishmael by Hagar. A period of 13 years follows in which God’s revelation remains dormant as if God was raising the odds even further to force the lesson home that his timing was perfect.
- Testimony: the fourth crisis emerges in ch 20. There is an extended period of failure on Abrahams part as once again he puts Sarah in a compromising situation, this time with Abimelech of Gerar. Graciously God intervenes on every front to save Abimelech and his household and Sarah. Abrahams opportunity for testimony is undermined but God effectively calls him out and forces him to act in the capacity he should have assumed in the first place.
- Obedience: the fifth and final crisis comes in ch 22. Abraham meets his great test of faith with unsullied obedience and God once again, pulls back the curtain on His plans of blessing.
