Christian Devotional – January 7, 2016

Read Genesis chapter 23

VERSE:

Genesis 23:16–Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittities: four hundred shekels of silver to the weight current among the merchants.

TRUTH:

Abraham was mourning the loss of his wife and he was looking for a place to bury her. He went to purchase a burial plot, but the person selling the plot insisted that he buy, not only the cave, but also the entire field. Then, the price was a hugely inflated price for a field in that day and time. There will always be people who are trying to take advantage of those who are experiencing grief and difficulty. However, Abraham didn’t even try to negotiate down the price, which was typical in business dealings there. He simply paid it and moved on. As we encounter people in this world who are less than exemplary integrity, we must remember that we represent Almighty God and that He knows all, even the unfair business practices of others and He will be the one to take care of that.

RESPONSE:

Father, I know you see the unfair practices of others. Please help me to keep focused on You and only You in these circumstances. If it’s time to stand up and fight, give me the courage to do so. If it’s time to just ignore and move on, help me to do that as well.