Scripture to Read: Genesis 23:1-20
In today's devotion, we read the record of Sarah's death. In dealing with this loss, Abraham grieves his wife's death but also trusts and hopes in the promise of God. We see this because God's Word plainly says in Genesis 23:2, "and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her." The reality of living in a fallen world brought grief to Abraham as he mourned the death of Sarah. Then, as Abraham prepares to buy a burial place for Sarah, he displays trust in God's promise. In Genesis 23:3-4, Abraham goes to the Hittites and asks them for property to bury Sarah there. Abraham knows the land of Canaan is the land God promised to him and his descendants, as God revealed to Abraham in Genesis 12:7, 13:14-16, and 15:18-21. After a conversation with the field owner, Abraham purchased the land and provided for Sarah's burial. The site of Sarah's funeral would be the same land where God promised, through Abraham and Sarah, their descendants would dwell. As God gave Abraham favor before the Hittites, Abraham's purchase of the land was evidence of him trusting in God's promise, who said He would give Abraham and his descendants this land. In Genesis 23, amid the loss of life, and a time of mourning, there is hope and trust in the promise of God. For us, God has promised we will dwell with Him because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us!
Challenge & Application
1. What does this passage teach us about trusting in God’s promise even in the midst of grief?
2. How can you set your hope on the promise of God even while you mourn and weep over trials in life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!