Genesis 22:20 - 23:20
Reflect
1 Peter 2:12 says: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God…”.
Abraham lived in this way among foreigners as they considered him a “mighty prince” among them, a sign of respect.
Note this cultural transaction going on. I read in the Life Application Study Bible that if Abraham would have accepted the burial plot without pay, it would have tarnished his reputation. On the other hand, the owner put the price of the plot way higher than actual value, expecting him to barter the price down. Abraham agreeing to, and paying the full price was very honourable and above reproach. I believe that this act of Abraham reinforced their respect for him.
I wonder if Abraham was tempted to accept the offer of the plot as a gift, or to barter the exorbitant price down. If he was, he overcame the temptation of seeking his own advantage and instead, became an image bearer of His gracious and bountiful God.
Apply
How detrimental to the Gospel have Christians who sought their personal advantage been? Have you ever walked away from a deal knowing that your advantage was someone else’s loss?
Ask God to give you a heart to live a life that causes others to glorify God.
Pastor Jerilyn
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Missions Ministry Assistant, Oleksandr Lushchyk.