GENESIS 23:1-16
Abraham had daily contact with his unbelieving neighbors, but he was always careful
that they knew where he stood with God. Especially was this true at the time of Sarah's
death. Sarah lived 37 years after Isaac was born and died at the age of 127. Abraham
mourned for her and sought for a place to bury her.
He said to the sons of Heth, "I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a
possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight" (Gen.
23:4). Abraham referred to himself as a "stranger" and a "sojourner," even though he
was a man of much wealth.
He owned several wells, and that alone made him wealthy. In addition, he had many
cattle. But even with all of this, Abraham had not allowed himself to become attached to
worldly possessions. He unashamedly confessed by his words and actions where he
stood with God.
These people recognized Abraham's greatness because of the way he lived before
them. Although they were not concerned about Abraham's God, he had made such an
impact on them by the way he lived that they were willing to give him any land he
wanted for a burying place for Sarah. Abraham refused to be chargeable to his ungodly
neighbors.
He let it be known that he was a separated man and was going to stay in this separated
position. May the same be true of us.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your
Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
Theodore Epp
www.backtothebible.in