Genesis 23
Themes throughout: respect by both parties throughout; doing the right thing and doing what is fair; common decency.
In a land due to Abraham, and which had been promised to him by the Lord, he acts with complete respect towards the Hittite people. He had every right to assume, in light of God’s promise, that he could simply bury his wife where he wanted. Conversely, Ephraim reacts to Abraham with great respect and insists that Abraham buries his wife where he wants, to ensure the dignity of Abraham and his offspring is continued.
Notice how both parties try to treat each other fairly and with respect. Abraham says he is ‘an alien and stranger among you.’ whilst the Hittites call Abram a ‘great prince’.
How would you act if you were an ‘alien’ in a strange land? Or how would you treat an ‘alien’ in your land?
Your ‘land’ could be your church, your home, your work. How would you show your faith in God with the person you have the least in common with?
Prayer
Dear Lord, teach us to have the love, the grace and respect for the ‘alien’ they deserve as your child. - with particular consideration for those who don’t know you.
(Reflections for this week are written by members of a homegroup)