GENESIS 23:4. “I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a burying-place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.” A BURYING PLACE. In tents of a seasoned traveler, the prince goes on his way, He is a pilgrim and a stranger who lives from day to day. Looking for a city, whose Builder and Maker is God; He is prepared to travel further, when he gets from God, the word. He knows the journey’s long, and lives accordingly. Though he has great riches, he holds them easily. He knows they can be lost, if God wants to take from him, Anything that would hinder, or would make the prince to sin.
All he needs from earth is a place to bury dead. He needs no earthly pleasures from men to make him glad. His goal is not the grave; it is a temporary stopping place; For the person to await the day when they see the Savior’s face. All he needs from worldly men is a temporary piece of ground; Where he can place his loved ones until the trumpet sounds. Respect and personal dignity we owe to those we love; We have many blessed memories, but place the body in the grave.
As a stranger in this land, may I keep my tent pegs short; Ready at a moment’s notice to pack up and make a start To whatever place God leads me, whether on earth or heaven above.
May I never lose sight of the fact, God gave me what I have. This world is not my home, though my calling still is here; So, may I keep eyes on the goal – life’s reasons remain clear. This is a training time for me to learn in thought and deed; I must follow in His footsteps and to His Word give heed
I need to bury anything that ties my affections down To things around that look so nice but need hiding in the ground. From time to time we lay away those whose memories are so dear, We can’t take them along with us; we must go on and leave them here. But those things that claim attention, with so much noise and glitter; Need to be buried out of sight – the results are very bitter. I have a place already bought for them to lay my body in; But what I’ll be so glad about – I’ve finally buried sin.
“Lord God, my God: every buried body is noted by Thy omnipresent eyes – and also every sinful deed and word that needs to be buried. May I never let the putrefying scent of unburied selfishness, self-ambition or pride cross the nostrils of my family, friends, or those needing Thy salvation. May I always keep buried anything that would dishonor Thee or hinder the furtherance of Thy kingdom. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”