GENESIS 23 RESPECT As the history of the Hebrews continues to unfold like a scroll or time-line before me, age catches up with Abraham and Sarah. Isaac is in his late 30's and Sarah died at 127 years of age. As a true stranger and pilgrim, Abraham had never claimed land for himself as a permanent possession. He was focused on " a city that hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God." Even though the land on which he walked was promised to him and his descendants, he had made no permanent home, preferring rather to live in tents. So, when Sarah died, he had no burying place for her body.
With dignity and respect suitable to the time and place, he asks for some property to buy for a place to bury Sarah. The interchange between Abraham and those who lived there, followed the course of business by means of polite bargaining that was common at that time and place. It was obvious to me as I listened to the conversation through the Word of God, that people often do not mean what they say. What is the right way to deal in business with those around us?
Abraham in a respectful manner and tone of voice, clearly stated his desire and intention. He knew what he needed and he knew what he wanted. A precise request cannot be misunderstood. When that is made plain to those with whom you deal, then an answer of either "Yes" or "No" is the only way they can truly respond. The business life of a believer is often the most impacting testimony of personal faith one can give. A person can loose in one deceptive interchange in business, all that he or she has built up in a lifetime of Christian witness.
But what should one do when an outrageous price is asked for an item or property he desires to buy? Should we say, "No, thank you" and walk away? Should we swallow hard, and pay the exorbitant price without the bargaining process that is expected? Is there a protocol that is demanded of those who live by faith, that we should follow when making any transaction? It seems to me that if one is limited to only one choice, then be prepared to pay the asking price. If the deal can be taken or left, good stewardship would determine if I would pay the price or walk away from it.
It seemed to me that Abraham was looking down through the years and generations to come, and he did not want anyone at any time in the future laying claim to, or using his personal burying place. It must have been a startling moment to Ephron and all that watched this bargaining transaction between him and Abraham, when Abraham did not try to bargain at all. He counted out the money asked for right in front of everyone, and paid the full outrageous price. That would have been talked about for a long time all over that area and for years to come. There would be no question at all as to whom the burying cave and the field and trees around it belonged to. They saw themselves the transaction being completed. The sons of Heth saw the money change hands without any question. Ephron had his money. He might have even been embarrassed at the extravagant amount of money he received. Abraham had the field of Machpelah and the cave in it to bury his dead wife, and his name and honor would have been testified to by everyone there.
Respect is not something that can be demanded. It has to be earned. It can be gained by integrity and lost in a moment of covetousness. The value of respect is worth much more than the mere money of an exchange. It has to come from a person's character. That which is within a person of an honorable nature is what personal testimony is made of. Testimony is not based on words. Deeds have an important part to play in establishing one's reputation and credibility.
The respect Abraham had for his wife of over 100 years was also obvious when he buried her body. As befitting a prince who is burying a princess (Sarah), he would have ensured that everyone would know the honor in which he held his wife. There was no quick and casual way to get the funeral over with and get on with his life. Not only did Abraham own the cave for burying, but he owned the field of Machpelah and all the trees in the field and the trees around the field. Everyone in the city and country around knew there was a mighty prince who now owned that property. They also knew that mighty prince held the memory of his wife in highest esteem. They would know and tell the generations to follow of the great man who lived in tents, who was very rich in herds and flocks, who counted out before all of the onlookers, a great ridiculous sum of silver for a piece of land.
As I thought of that scene God choose to leave on the pages of the history of His people, I learned there are two specific areas of life where respect becomes obvious to all. One is in the way I do business. I can gain or lose my reputation built over a lifetime, in one afternoon if I do not show proper respect for those I am dealing with, no matter what they might do, fairly or unfairly, to me.
I also was reminded that people watch and can see how I treat my wife. If I treat her with dignity and respect through my whole life, and even in her death, there is a reflection placed in a good light on the God in whom I trust. The negative can also be true. If I disrespect my wife, people will have a poor impression of my Lord. Some things can be lost and never regained. Respect is one of those things.
People have a right to respect from even me!
What is a bargain anyway? How can this be determined? Is it based on the exchange of money - on what the rate of return is? Or is there more to a transaction than what is favorable to me? How can respect in business be maintained; how can it be done righteously?
There are some basic guidelines that don't change with the passing of time.
In every culture and generation, there are the interests of others beside mine. To be faithful in stewardship for the Lord, means what I am dealing with is His. So, I cannot be careless and unconcerned how I apply myself to this.
I need to remember that covetousness has a whole lot of different faces. It is important that I recognize how things are done in various places. What may be acceptable business in one place, may not be in another. Wisdom is needed to prepare myself lest I in some way offend my brother.
The Lord said to give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. That comment He made indicates to me, there are answers for me in His Word. So, I will not try to get unreasonable profits whenever I make a sale. And when I buy it would be wrong for me to quibble over every small detail.
I should make sure the one I am dealing with knows I am not being unfair. Whether it be in buying or selling, in building or making repairs - It is important that I make sure others know the God I represent - Is not allowing me to scheme and cheat, by trying to get every cent.
Perhaps even more important than in business, is respect when it is seen at home. Whether it be during the rush in the morning, or when the day is done - My children as well as the people around should know I respect my wife. She is of more value than anything, she is more important than my life.
I have never had to bury a wife like Abraham did long ago. But if or when that time comes, I will want everyone to know - I held her in highest respect in her life, and likewise now in her death - That respect for her and her memory will remain as long as I have breath.
"Father, I want my family and all who know me, to be able to bear testimony to my respect for Thee, for those who are close to me by nature's ties, as well as those with whom I do business. I pray Thee to keep me from covetousness, carelessness and callousness. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."