Contemplative Bible Reading

Genesis 20:11 (New Living Translation)

Abraham replied, “I thought, ‘This is a godless place. They will want my wife and will kill me to get her.’

This is part of the (hi)story of Abraham and his wife Sarah. For a while, they moved into the territory of King Abimelech of Gerar. Abraham, fearing death, told everyone that his wife was his sister.

King Abimelech of Gerar almost took this visitor’s sister as a wife. When the King learned that the “sister” was already married, he jumped back in horror. What if he had done that? What if he had done wrong?

King Abimelech of Gerar confronted Abraham, whose reply is quoted above. Abraham assumed (1) no sense of right or wrong and (2) the locals would murder him.

Bad assumptions sandwiching a good assumption (they will want my wife). Such is life then and now and everyday in between. Bad assumptions about other people who are part of “them” and not part of “us.” Them don’t know right and wrong like us do. Them don’t respect life like us do. Them are subhuman in their desires and actions, not like us who always think the best of others and … uh, er, wait, we have to … oh gosh. Us act like our assumptions about them.

Us have the benefit of God’s grace. Them, well, they also have the benefit of God’s grace. I don’t care if them don’t always act and dress and talk like us. Them are covered just like us. Us should stop the bad assumptions about them.