Athlete, God Keeps Covering
*This devotional series was written by the AIA staff team at the University of Virginia
Read Genesis 20
Does this story sound familiar? Abraham told the exact same deceptive half-truth (20:12) to an Egyptian Pharaoh back in Genesis 12. Now he is in "the Negev," between the southern portion of the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean, in the land God had promised to him. Today's passage makes it especially clear that Abraham was in the wrong when he told this half-truth (20:9), as he is shamed by Abimelech's innocence (20:4-6). God protects Abimelech and, at the same time, graciously blesses Abraham in spite of his shaky faith that leads him into deception. Abraham commits the exact same sin two times, and two times God covers over his offense and gives him what he does not deserve.
Questions for Reflection & Prayer
1. Do you ever have trouble believing that God will forgive you for committing the same sin multiple times? Where would we be if God did not forgive us for committing the same sin multiple times? God does not forgive so that we can continue in sin. He forgives us to give us the freedom to live in his ways. But for all who are broken by the offense of sin, who trust in Christ's work on the cross, and who desire to repent through his resurrection power, God forgives "seventy-seven" (i.e. countless) times (Matthew 18:21-22). Take time to receive and thank God for his abundant forgiveness, and in repentance ask him to free you from the sins that bind you.
Read Genesis 20
Does this story sound familiar? Abraham told the exact same deceptive half-truth (20:12) to an Egyptian Pharaoh back in Genesis 12. Now he is in "the Negev," between the southern portion of the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean, in the land God had promised to him. Today's passage makes it especially clear that Abraham was in the wrong when he told this half-truth (20:9), as he is shamed by Abimelech's innocence (20:4-6). God protects Abimelech and, at the same time, graciously blesses Abraham in spite of his shaky faith that leads him into deception. Abraham commits the exact same sin two times, and two times God covers over his offense and gives him what he does not deserve.
Questions for Reflection & Prayer
1. Do you ever have trouble believing that God will forgive you for committing the same sin multiple times? Where would we be if God did not forgive us for committing the same sin multiple times? God does not forgive so that we can continue in sin. He forgives us to give us the freedom to live in his ways. But for all who are broken by the offense of sin, who trust in Christ's work on the cross, and who desire to repent through his resurrection power, God forgives "seventy-seven" (i.e. countless) times (Matthew 18:21-22). Take time to receive and thank God for his abundant forgiveness, and in repentance ask him to free you from the sins that bind you.
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2019
May
Athlete, God CreatesAthlete, You're Made In His ImageAthlete, RestAthlete, RememberAthlete, God UnitesAthlete, Don't FallAthlete, Pain and Frustration Will EndAthlete, Stop ComparingAthlete, There Is No Middle RoadAthlete, Step Out In FaithAthlete, You're CleanAthlete, Know The CovenantAthlete, Know the NationsAthlete, Divisions ExistAthlete, God Makes PromisesAthlete, WaitAthlete, Location MattersAthlete, Who Is Melchizedek?Athlete, You Are IncludedAthlete, God Sees YouAthlete, God Gives Us Signs
June
Athlete, Be RemindedAthlete, Be Honest With GodAthlete, Reflect On His MercyAthlete, God Keeps CoveringAthlete, The Wait Is OverAthlete, God Tests Athlete, Put On The QualitiesAthlete, Be ChallengedAthlete, God works Evil For GoodAthlete, Glory is ComingAthlete, God Saves Messy PeopleAthlete, God Provides Athlete, God's in Control Athlete, God is PatientAthlete, Step Out in FaithAthlete, See the MarkersAthlete, Take Time to PrayAthlete, Let's Talk About Fresh StartsAthlete, Love is The CureAthlete, Grace is OffensiveAthlete, See the ForeshadowAthlete, Don't ForgetAthlete, God is NearAthlete, Are You Willing To Learn?Athlete, Give Thanks
July
Athlete, Cultivate IntimacyAthlete, Take ComfortAthlete, You Have An InheritanceAthlete, God Uses All of UsAthlete, ConfessAthlete, Don't DoubtAthlete, Make RoomAthlete, Ask Your QuestionsAthlete, Do Not ChargeAthlete, Be Aware of Resistance Athlete, Know Your HeartAthlete, Don't Be Stubborn Athlete, Trust JesusAthlete, Have Risky FaithAthlete, We Were Created For JoyAthlete, Understand the Already Not YetAthlete, What Are You TrustingAthlete, ReflectAthlete, You're a Royal Priest Athlete, PauseAthlete, Recognize His PresenceAthlete, Seek Justice
August
Athlete, Remember WITH not FORAthlete, David Wasn't Always PerfectAthlete, Confess to an Audience of OneAthlete, Be Honest With GodAthlete, Take NoteAthlete, Recognize the Preeminent OneAthlete, Put it to DeathAthlete, You Are Being RenewedAthlete, This is Your New UniformAthlete, Whatever You Do, Do It For JesusAthlete, Use A Different FormulaAthlete, We Are FamilyAthlete, You Have Three Deep NeedsAthlete, Fan The FlameAthlete, Start The FireAthlete, Know The AntidoteAthlete, Choose PeaceAthlete, Peace is a WeaponAthlete, It Was Not A Silent NightAthlete, This is How You Experience Peace
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