Genesis 23

Scripture:  Genesis chapter 23

Observation:  Sarah dies, and Abraham mourns her.  He wants to bury her, and goes to the Hittites to purchase a burial place for his dead.  The men identify Abraham as a man of God and tell him he may bury his dead in any sepulcher he chooses, but Abraham wants to buy Ephron's plot and cave.  Ephron is willing to give it to Abraham, but Abraham insists, and the price of 400 shekels is agreed upon.  Now Abraham owns property in the land God has promised him, and Sarah is buried.

Application:  Abraham was a man of means, and was able to pay for this land.  He knew he could afford it.  These men, ungodly men who worshiped idols, were willing to give Abraham a place to bury Sarah for free because they knew of his reputation and his favor with the Lord.  Yet Abraham insisted upon paying for the property.  He did not take advantage of these people simply because they did not worship the true God.  It is a testimony of how we also should treat unbelievers: with the same respect we treat believers.  We should always treat others the way we wish to be treated.

Prayer:  Lord, I do not want to become like the Pharisees, who considered themselves more holy than their fellow man.  I don't want to treat unbelievers as undeserving of Your message of salvation, or of Your grace.  Keep me humble, Lord, remembering from what pit You brought me out, and grateful for Your grace upon my life, while willing to show that same grace to others.  In Jesus' name, Amen.