Genesis 23 - Buying What You Own

Abraham had been given the land in which he lived by God. The land that still belongs to the nation of Israel today. Yet when Sarah passes, he goes to the Hittites occupying the land and offers to purchase a small plot at the end of a field to use as a burial site.

Abraham could have demanded the land and said "this is mine" but he recognized his best course of action was to live in harmony with the occupants of the land and wait for God to act in his behalf.

I am not extending this commentary to today's Israeli conflicts. It does sadden me to see that such dissension still continues over this land, but I am trusting that soon the Lord's coming will make things right.

The lesson I take from this passage is more for me and my stewardship. I may be able to maintain a better witness among the unbelievers of my time if I don't exercise every right and give respect to what others see as their rights.

The Hittites claimed the land and Abraham did not disrupt that claim to exercise his authority. Even in giving honor to the people of the land they were quick to offer him the site for free, but notice he didn't accept that offer.

Abraham didn't want there to be any confusion about who gave the land. It came from God and not as a gift from the Hittites.

In this way, he kept his inheritance pure, no one could say they had anything to do with it, he maintained a good name among the people of the land and secured future opportunities to witness to the people.

In the same way that God moved in the relationships of the people of that day, God will move before you in the relationships you have. Our responsibility is to hold God's name high and to show honor to others.

Dear Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the way you keep us in your care providing for our needs. Help us to be wise in our relationships with unbelievers so that we may hold your name high before them and secure opportunities to witness before them. We look for the return of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ in who's name we pray. Amen.