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Genesis 18 – Praying through the Bible #8 – A Prayer of Dishonesty
Sarah got caught “red-handed.” A non-mythical origin of where the phrase originated is murderers or poachers literally being caught “having blood on one’s hands.” To be caught “red-handed” is to be caught in the act, or with evidence of wrongdoing. When Sarah is caught “red-handed,” the origin of her denial is clear – fear. The proof of her wrong is unarguable – the omniscience of God.
In Genesis 18, we have a repeat of Genesis 17, but this time it is Sarah who laughs. This time there is no positive, faith-filled motive. Just because two people behave the same way does not mean their motivations are the same. She overhears the LORD speak of her forthcoming pregnancy: “So she laughed to herself: ‘After I have become shriveled up and my lord is old, will I have delight?’” (Genesis 18:12 – HCSB).
Immediately “the LORD asked Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Can I really have a baby when I’m old?’ Is anything impossible for the LORD?’” (Genesis 18:13-14 – HCSB). I hear in God’s response that He is insulted by her doubt (am I likewise guilty?). Caught, Sarah denies it. “I did not laugh,” she said, because she was afraid. But He replied, “No, you did laugh” (Genesis 18:15 – HCSB).
Caught red-handed – been there, done that. Somebody catches me and I lie; a non-calculated lie. Usually I am not fearful of their authority or punishment (although children can be), I am embarrassed. Within embarrassment there is an element of fear; fear of what others will think, or of hurting their feelings. Both Sarah and I get caught “red-tongued.”
Just as Sarah lied talking to God, in my prayer life, there is another type of denial. I hide from both myself and God my real feelings, motivations, ideas, dreams, hopes and such. Thankfully I discover the longer I pray the less I lie and deny. Finally I rediscover God knows my every thought. Yes, I already intellectually knew that, but sometimes, even in prayer, I hide from and lie to myself. Strangely, I lie by hiding because I want to be better than I really am.
Prayer Challenge – Confess to God the times we have been caught lying from embarrassment or fear. Tender consciences tend to hang on to these memories. Pray for help to not let embarrassment cause us to lie. Pray that we will be honest with all, including ourselves and God. Pray that our faith in God will be more important to than our reputation with others. Thankfully, we can be caught by the red blood of Jesus.
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