In Genesis 21 we discover an interesting encounter between Abraham and Abimelech. Hopefully you recall the earlier meeting between these two in Genesis 20. Abraham had left the area of Mamre and gone to the territory of Negeb, where Abimelech, the king of Gerar lived. Abraham, fearing the heathen king and his people once again presented Sarah, his wife to be his sister. God punished Abimelech during this time for he had taken Sarah to be his wife, However, Abimelech had not consummated the marriage and when the Lord issued a warning Abimelech repented and restored Sarah to Abraham.
So in Genesis 21 when the two have an encounter over a stolen well, there is a potentially volatile situation these men are facing. As followers of Jesus we can learn some valuable lessons as we also relate to people who do not fear the Lord and hold different values from us. We should intentionally engage in relationships with a short-term goal for peace and a long-term goal for the glory of God and the transformation of lives by Him.
First note that these two men possessed a mutual respect for one another. If you read Genesis 21:22-24, you will see that Abimelech acknowledges Abraham's faith in God and approaches him based on that faith. Abraham senses that respect and he responds accordingly. This is especially interesting when we consider the predicament that Abraham placed Abimelech in when he lied about Sarah in their first encounter. Abimelech obviously gained respect for Abraham and the God that he served, despite Abraham's lack of faith and compromise. Evidently despite Abraham's struggle he also gave enough evidence of his faith and the power of God to impact Abimelech. I am sure that people today witness the struggles followers of Jesus experience. One challenge is for us to express the might of our God in a way through our lives that we build respect amongst men.
How we build this respect when we also struggle is key. First it is built through the establishment of peace. Too many times people, especially Christians, want to establish hard and fast boundaries that often times offend. Abraham could have done this very thing with Abimelech. He could have attacked Abimelech for a number of reasons, his lack of leadership, allowance of rebellion, and potential flattery. Instead Abraham takes Abimelech's offer and fortifies it by his declaration to the Lord and further commitment by the covenant he initiates.
I wouldn't always suggest going into a serious agreement with an unbeliever, but this obviously affords a distinct opportunity for the influence of Godliness in Abimelech's life. Abraham seizes the opportunity and openness of Abimelech to engage in the covenant. Can you imagine the further explanation and reasoning Abraham had opportunity to give as they participated together in this ceremony of commitment. He would have had the privilege of sharing the moment that he experienced the covenant with God. He would have discussed the justice that was required to maintain the peace. He could have talked of the child of promise found in Isaac and the future of hope.
I believe that in our culture today there is a greater need to model this type of behavior to gain influence. I am convinced that it will be far more effective than becoming separatists or constantly protesting the ills of the world. Remember, Jesus was accused of eating with tax collectors and sinners. And when approached about it he said that he "came not to call the righteous, but sinners (Matthew 9:13)."
So today, might you consider the opportunities that you possess to build relationships with those in need of Jesus. How is it that you can present situations for peace and secure opportunities for justice and righteousness to influence, not in condemnation or judgment through conflict, but in the mark of merciful peace and mutual respect for people created in the image of God?
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