The Hittites replied to Abraham, “Sir, listen to us. You are a mighty prince among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of us will refuse you his tomb for burying your dead.” Genesis 23:5,6 NIV
Our testimony in facing the death of a loved one is crucial. Here is a lengthy but interesting business transaction between Abraham and a man called Ephron. It gives us a clear picture into the customs of the day, as to how people went about handling business transactions. The courtesy is especially striking. Abraham went beyond the usual courtesy, paying far more for the land than what it was worth, and by so doing he gave a strong testimony for the Lord. Abraham had always had a strong testimony among his neighbours. They recognized him as a mighty prince among them. The Hebrew is actually a prince of the LORD. The people knew that Abraham was a man favoured and blessed by his Lord. Abraham had always borne a princely faith before his neighbours, and he was bearing a princely testimony to his faith now. Abraham bore a testimony of courtesy and appreciation. The Hittites offered Abraham a free tomb for Sarah. Abraham stood up and bowed. This was apparently the custom of the day, the way a person showed appreciation for an offer. Abraham bore a testimony of tact. He asked the city officials to intercede in securing a particular piece of land, the cave of Machpelah (verses 8-9). Abraham bore a testimony for being fair and just in his business transactions. Ephron offered to give the land to Abraham, but Abraham refused to accept the land as a gift. Abraham willingly paid an exorbitant price for the land, about twenty times its value.
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord, may we bear testimony to You, even in our grief.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, even in our grief, may the testimony of our faith in You shine through, as it did in the life of Abraham. AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
Esther 4:4-14
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