Beauty and Burial. Genesis 23. Sarah s Epitaph Left Behind Doing Business With the World Confidence in God

Transcription

1 Beauty and Burial Genesis 23 Sarah s Epitaph Left Behind Doing Business With the World Confidence in God 1

2 Beauty and Burial Genesis 23 Sarah s Epitaph Sarah was not perfect. She acted unwisely in giving Hagar. She was harsh to Hagar. She laughed in unbelief. Then, she lied about it. 2

3 Beauty and Burial Genesis 23 Sarah s Epitaph For a life lasting 127 years, these things were overshadowed by great virtues 1 Peter 3:3-6. 3

4 1 Peter 3:3-6 (NASB) 3 Your adornment must not be merely external braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God

5 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

6 Beauty and Burial Genesis 23 Sarah s Epitaph For a life lasting 127 years, these things were overshadowed by great virtues 1 Peter 3:3-6. Sarah also waited for God s salvation. Sarah walked by faith in following her husband. Sarah stayed by his side through thick and thin. Sarah received strength from God to conceive. Sarah helped Abraham in spiritual discernment. She was married for at least 60 years. 3

7 Hebrews 11:11-14 (NASB) 11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.

8 13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own

9 Beauty and Burial Genesis 23 Left Behind Mourning is a biblical concept. Abraham wept for his wife. He did not even weep at the sacrifice of Isaac. Jesus wept also. Tears don t mean you have a lack of faith. They don t indicate a lack of submission to God. It is proper to mourn so that our mourning can be turned into joy. 4

10 Beauty and Burial Genesis 23 Doing Business With the World Abraham, the great sojourner, becomes Abraham the land owner. This is a significant event. We see a very cordial and polite exchange. Abraham was not looking for a bargain, but he was fair and just. All were satisfied. Abraham was not beholding to anyone. The transaction was witnessed by all. 5

11 Proverbs 20:14 (NASB) 14 Bad, bad, says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts.

12 Proverbs 24:27 (NASB) 27 Prepare your work outside And make it ready for yourself in the field; Afterwards, then, build your house.

13 Beauty and Burial Genesis 23 Confidence in God This burial plot expresses the confidence of Abraham in God s promise concerning the land. To your offspring I will give this land. Lift up your eyes from where you are To your descendants I will give this land This cave becomes the family burial plot. 6

14 Hebrews 11:13-16 (NASB) 13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.

15 15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

16 Beauty and Burial Genesis 23 Application Do you weep and mourn when you have cause? Do you have the unfading, inner beauty of a quiet and gentle spirit? Where is your citizenship? Are you living in light of this fact? 7