Audio Messages:
Pastor Wade Burleson

---

How a Believer Handles Death
You're Not Really Living Until You're Ready to Die

Genesis80.mp3 (15.7 MB)

---

Genesis 23:5-18 (KJV)

5. And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,
6. Hear us, my lord: thou art a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.
7. And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth.
8. And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,
9. That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you.
10. And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying,
11. Nay, my lord, hear me: the field give I thee, and the cave that is therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the sons of my people give I it thee: bury thy dead.
12. And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land.
13. And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee, hear me: I will give thee money for the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there.
14. And Ephron answered Abraham, saying unto him,
15. My lord, hearken unto me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.
16. And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.
17. And the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure
18. Unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city.

There is no truth greater to me than that of justification by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Abraham was justified by God. But justification changes a man's life on earth. The evidence of His grace is a life transformed. Faith in Christ is our hope, but this hope bursts into a brand new life. "If thou woulds't die comfortably, live conscientiously." George Swinnock.

1. It's possible to be a Christian with tremendous wealth; use it wisely.
   At first glance this passage is long on history and short on application. However, it is filled with helpful principles that can guide us as we live our lives in this world.
   1. God is the one who gives you wealth in this world.
      Deuteronomy 8:17-18 tells us the tendency of man is to think he gets it by "his own hand," but "it is God who gives thee the power to get wealth." The sons of Heth were Hittites and became very powerful, warrior-like people in Canaan. Yet, these Hittites treat Abraham with respect; "Thou art a mighty prince" (v.6).
   2. God intends for His people to use their wealth wisely.
      Abraham is very specific about the cave he desires. He does not accept the offer of "the choice of our sepulchers" (v.6), but asks for the cave of Machpelah (v.9). The Jewish fathers believed that this cave was the burial place of Adam and Eve. One thing is know about this cave: It was used by the descendants of Abraha. In addition to Sarah, we know Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob and Leah are also buried there. The cave of Machpelah or "The Tomb of the Patriarchs" is a holy site in Hebron.
      
2. It's preferred to be a Christian with true grace; display it widely.
   In this account of Abraham purchasing a tomb, we see useful business guidelines.
   1. Notice the politeness of Abraham.
      "He bowed down" (vs.7,12). He spoke with charity and grace. He was polite. "It would be well if Christians were always courteous. Many seem to have forgotten the New Testament command, 'Be courteous' (I Peter 3:8)." Donald Grey Barnhouse.
   2. Notice the principles of Abraham.
      Though the field had been offered as a gift, he did not accept it. He paid full value in "current money" (400 shekels). In addition, he didn't say, "It's no good! It's no good!" (Proverbs 20:14) and then go off and boast about the price he paid.
   3. Notice the prudence of Abraham.
      Abraham paid a fair price and had a witness. "In a day when there were no official deeds or records, public witness had the effect of a contract," James M. Boyce. This entire transaction was conducted with grace, displayed to all around.
3. It's profitable to be a Christian with tempered desires; seek first His kingdom.
   We won't spend a great deal of time on this because it's the subject of next week's message. However, if you pay careful attention to the life of Abraham, you see that the only piece of ground he ever ultimately owned was a tomb. He owned no other land. The Bible tells us "to seek first His kingdom" and all these other things will be added. It is not money that is evil, but the love of money that gets you in trouble. Love Him!

Emmanuel Home
Return to Message Overview Page