Genesis 23:1-20
We hit a sad chapter today in Genesis 23. Sarah dies and Abraham is mourning and taking care of all the burial arrangements. But even though there is sadness, this account is very tender. There's no doubt Abraham loved Sarah with all his heart. And I was so appreciative of his example of honoring her even after her death. As I was reading, my mom came to mind. It was just about a year and a half ago that she died and I went through much the same process as Abraham here. Although it was hard, I'm so glad that that my siblings and I could recognize and honor my mom after her death.
So what can we draw out of Genesis 23 that might help us when we're faced with the loss of someone we love? How might we follow in Abraham's footsteps in this area? Tami W.
What struck me was that Abraham, since he knew this would be a permanent resting place, bought the tomb. But God, who knew it wouldn't be used long, "borrowed" a tomb for His Son.
JRA, good thought!
Abraham loved Sarah that is for sure. He chose a burial sight that was beautiful for resting, a cave, trees, and even a field. He knew someday he would be buried there with Sarah, as we all know that day will come for each of us. We, too, need to prepare for a place to rest. Abraham paid for the property possibly so that in the future no one would take the burial sight away from the family. Cercumstances change and Abraham would not feel he owned the land owners any money etc. Esau and Isaac came together to help bury there "mother". Relatives do that even today come or unite for such occasions!
I like many others have lost loved ones.Even though it was a sad time ,it was also a happy time for we knew they would be with God in heaven.we did our mourning and service's. God was with us and carried us thru.Like Abraham ,we honoured our loved ones. Praise God for his mercy.
i do not know what i will do my sister is stronger then i am
i am a emotional man i know i will cry for jesus cry as will
i believe you are not a man if do not cry
i love my mom very much and my dad
When my mother passed away she had alzenheimers a few years and didn't seem to recognize any of us in the family. I recall her saying in her better days that if she ever got in that kind of condition then she would rather pass away and not be a burden to the family or our public health system. My mother was in a manor for older folks. (I live in Canada.)
Remembering what she said helped make her passing easier to accept . . . I know other older folks are of the same opinion aa my mother was.
She often said: "This world is not our home." However, there is that struggle of accepting the fact you lost a parent no matter what, I guess. You will get use to it eventually . . . I thank God it didn't take long for me.
Abraham allowed himself time to mourn and then tended to the business of burying his beloved wife. He wasn't paralyzed with his grief but made certain she was buried in a dignified manner. It was obvious that Abraham had built a reputation for himself among the foreigners. Because of his integrity and his steadfast faith, he was provided with a cave and field. It would be difficult and painful to bury a loved one in an unfamiliar place in modern times and back then the challenges must have been ten-fold. God undoubtedly provided Abraham with the strength to walk through this difficult season. I believe God desires us to trust Him in the midst of our losses knowing that He is with us and will provide us with the same strength He gave Abraham.
When we honor a Loved one that has passed is realy a true belssing in disguise. By honoring it showes that we made a connection with that person. You actualy went throug your life with a connection which showes that you did not just think of yourself. You wasnt the selfish self centered individual and possibly you found that you had a very rewarding life cause you reached out with love. If we could not love or honor your parents life then you can not live a rewarding life or for that matter a Live and walk with Christ. We have to give ourselves in Love and honor and obediance to God. And remember honor the Mother and the Farther in the ten condmandments. If we cannot live by example with our spouce then how will our children learn of Love, Honor, Respect for others as well as towards our Lord.
When we lose a loved one, just like Abraham, we need to honor the individual lost. A ceremony or remembrance of some kind help with this.
Talking about the individual is something that the bereaved usually want to do. If you feel this is appropriate, share a memory that you have of the deceased with the bereaved. The memories as the things that comfort, soothe and sustain the relationship in the minds of the families.
Abraham honored his first wife--as it should be. The concubines should never have been a part of the picture--this was not God's intent for man.